The effect of shortened statutes of limitations on nurses

These cases illustrate the need for nurses to closely monitor the various tort reform legislation initiatives in all states. Many tort reform proposals are intended to reduce the liability exposure of physicians and hospitals. In doing so, these proposals may inadvertently increase the nurses' exposure. Nurses must monitor tort reform proposals before they are passed into law because they may cause a disproportionate impact on nurses. Nurses also need to lobby for amendments to existing statutes that do not protect nurses.