Legal Nursing Certificate Course

Irnise Fennell Williams, JD, RN, is a healthcare and regulatory compliance lawyer with a nursing background, which gives her a deeper understanding of healthcare practices and patient care. This unique legal and nursing knowledge combination allows her to provide comprehensive legal services to healthcare providers, facilities, and organizations.

She is highly skilled in research and analysis. She can quickly and efficiently research complex healthcare issues and regulations and stay up to date with the latest developments and changes in healthcare law and policy.

She helps healthcare providers and organizations navigate the complex web of federal and state regulations and ensures that they are in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. This may involve conducting internal audits to identify potential non-compliance, developing and implementing compliance programs and policies, and providing legal counsel on patient care, privacy, and data security issues. As a graduate of Howard University and the Howard University School of Law, Irnise is an architect of social change for her clients and her community.

Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Irnise Williams maintains a private practice. She receives a speaking honorarium and recording royalties from PESI, Inc. She has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Irnise Williams has no relevant non-financial relationships.

Diane Elizabeth Sheffield, CRNA, JD

Elizabeth started her healthcare career with a degree in respiratory therapy. She continued her education with her nursing degree, a master’s degree and a doctorate of nurse anesthesia practice (DNAP) from Virginia Commonwealth University. Her clinical experiences range from critical care, emergency department, PACU and work as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist.

Early in her nursing career, Elizabeth developed an interest in legal and ethical issues in nursing. She furthered her education and pursued a Doctor of Jurisprudence and a MA in clinical bioethics. As a practicing attorney, Elizabeth specialized in medical malpractice, defending both healthcare organizations and physicians. She also has experience as both a testifying and consulting expert witness. As a consummate educator, she lectures nationally on medico-legal issues and has authored several articles on legal and ethical issues.

Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Diane Sheffield has an employment relationship with California Northstate Medical School, Los Rios Community College, and the American River College. She receives a speaking honorarium and recording royalties from PESI, Inc. She has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Diane Sheffield is a member the American Association of Nurse Attorneys, the American Society for Bioethics and Humanities, the American Society of Healthcare Risk Management, and the California Association of Nurse Anesthetists.

Rachel Henderson, PhD, MS, RN, HCRM, is a nationally recognized expert on healthcare law, nursing documentation, and regulatory compliance. With over two decades of experience as a legal nurse consultant, senior leadership roles, and healthcare risk manager, she brings real-world case studies to life in her engaging and informative presentations.

Dr. Henderson is a published author in peer-reviewed journals and textbooks and a sought speaker known for her ability to simplify complex legal and regulatory issues. She is a proud member of the National Speakers Association and a past president of the Florida Speakers Association.

In addition to leading Medical Legal Concepts, LLC, she collaborates with law firms and healthcare organizations, analyzing medical records for compliance with standards of care and applicable regulations. She has served as an expert witness in medical negligence for both plaintiffs and defendants.

Dr. Henderson holds a PhD in Public Policy and Administration, with a focus on Law and Policy. This degree equips her with deep expertise in healthcare regulations, ethics, and legal accountability.

 

Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Dr. Rachel Henderson has an employment relationship with Medical Legal Concepts. She receives royalties as a published author and compensation as a legal nurse consultant. Dr. Henderson receives a speaking honorarium and recording royalties from PESI, Inc. She has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Dr. Rachel Henderson is a member of the American Association of Critical Care Nurses, the American Society of Healthcare Risk Managers, and the American Society of Professionals in Patient Safety.

Lois A. Fenner McBride, RN, MS, JD, is an honor’s graduate of the University of Maryland Graduate School of Nursing, Undergraduate School of Nursing, and University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law. She is an attorney admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of the United States, the Federal Bar and the Maryland Bar. Nurse-Attorney Fenner is a compact licensed registered nurse and a certified clinical nurse specialist.

She is a founding member of The American Association of Nurse Attorneys, past president of the Monumental Bar Association, a member of the Women’s Bar Association, and the Trial Lawyers Association. Nurse-Attorney Fenner has been recognized by the Alliance of Black Women Attorneys with the Distinguished Women in Law award and has been recognized as a Baltimore Business Journal’s Who’s Who in Law, with a selection as a Super Lawyer twice.

Nurse-Attorney Fenner’s law practice today focuses on medical/healthcare litigation and consulting including medical malpractice, licensure, credentialing, administrative and litigation matters. She is a dynamic speaker with a realistic hands-on approach to resolving issues and minimizing risks for patients, clients and health care professionals.

 

Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Lois Fenner maintains a private practice. She receives compensation as a Nurse Attorney, Consultant, Educator-Lecturer, and Nurse Clinical Specialist. Lois Fenner receives a speaking honorarium and recording royalties from PESI, Inc. She has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Lois Fenner is a member of the Maryland Bar Association, the American Nurse-Attorney Association, the American Bar Association, and others. For a complete list, please contact info@pesi.com.

Rosale Lobo, PhD, RN, MSN, LNC, has been a registered nurse for 37 years in the capacity of a nurse, legal nurse consultant, administrator, speaker, author, and entrepreneur. Working with people in hospitals, clinics, and home care settings allowed her to study patients and healthcare professional’s experiences from various perspectives.

Dr. Lobo earned her PhD (2017), with research demonstrating the importance of educating nurses on documentation and patient safety. Her company, Lobo Consulting Group, LLC partners with medical malpractice attorneys nationwide to support their pursuit of justice for their clients. Through her versatile background, she has acquired expertise in the nuances and complexities of healthcare litigation and documentation. As a speaker, Dr. Lobo continues to travel the country speaking with nurses and healthcare systems about the pathways to safer practice patterns.

 

Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Rosale Lobo has an employment relationship with Southern Connecticut State University. She receives a speaking honorarium and recording royalties from PESI, Inc. She has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Rosale Lobo has no relevant non-financial relationships.

Jaimee Gerrie, MSN, BSN, RN, LNC, CPPS, NCPMT, has been a registered nurse for almost 30 years. She is the principal agent of UPvision Consulting, LLC and UPvision Mediation and Training. She provides comprehensive legal nurse services, expert services, and alternative dispute resolution services, for attorneys and health care organizations with medically related cases. Jaimee is an associate professor of nursing for Lake Superior State University. This program is a fully virtual program utilizing digital technology such as virtual reality to educate new graduates.

Jaimee earned her certificate in legal nurse consulting from Brighton College and is a member of the American Association of Legal Nurse Consultants (AALNC), serving two consecutive years on the Annual Forum Committee and one year as the report writing SIG chair. She is a member of the American Nurses Association serving two years as a political action committee board of trustee, and now currently serving her Michigan State Chapter on the nursing policy committee. Jaimee is also a long-standing member of the Michigan Nursing Action Coalition Leadership Committee. Jaimee also maintains membership in several other organizations such as Sigma Theta Tau International, the American Association of Nurse Attorneys (TAANA), the State Bar of Michigan- associate member, Michigan Defense Trial Counsel, and the National Association of Certified Mediators.

Jaimee is an experienced speaker and presenter at the local, state, and national levels. She has also published a book, book chapter and journal article author in nursing leadership, legal nurse consulting, and scopes of nursing practice.

 

Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Jaimee Gerrie has an employment relationship with Lake Superior State University and UPvision Consulting, LLC. She receives a speaking honorarium and recording royalties from PESI, Inc. She has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Jaimee Gerrie is a member of the American Academy of Legal Nurse Consultants, the National Association of Certified Mediators, the American Society of Professionals in Patient Safety, the American Nurses Association, and the American Nurses Association of Michigan.

Daniel Cousin, MD, is a dual-boarded fellowship-trained expert in diagnostic radiology in active clinical practice who offers same-day (<24 hr.) turnarounds on radiology consultations. With training from Harvard, Yale, Columbia, and other top tier institutions, Dr. Cousin is a pioneer in 4D demonstrative evidence, has impressive lecturing and public speaking experience, presents well before juries, and has testified as an expert over 60 times in the last 4 years. As of 2021, his plaintiff defense split is approximately 50/50.

Dr. Cousin has served as a medical director in private practice and is a program director for a residency program where he was responsible for teaching newly minted doctors to be radiologists. He has nearly two decades of experience in the field including both academic and private practices and both clinical and administrative positions. Dr. Cousin is currently the clinical director for BayView Radiology in Florida. He is board-certified by both the American Board of Radiology and by the National Board of Physicians and Surgeons.

Dr. Cousin provides expert consultation for attorneys, insurance companies, and vendors, locally nationally, and internationally. He is committed to providing quality consultations for independent reads, written reports, expert testimony, and other consulting services at a competitive fee.

Dr. Cousin received his BA from Harvard University graduating Magna Cum Laude with a joint honors degree in cognitive neuroscience, his MD from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, and completed his radiology residency training from Yale – Norwalk Hospitals and University of Florida Shands Hospital – Gainesville programs. In addition, Dr. Cousin completed his postdoctoral fellowship at Columbia University – NY Presbyterian in whole body imaging. Dr. Cousin served as the program director for the radiology residency at Columbia University’s Harlem Hospital affiliate.

 

Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Dr. Daniel Cousin has an employment relationship with Radsurity, P.A. He receives a speaking honorarium and recording royalties from PESI, Inc. He has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Dr. Daniel Cousin is a member of the American College of Radiology, the Florida Medical Association, and the Florida Radiology Society.

Deborah Ward, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, LNC, is a nurse practitioner with extensive experience and expertise in both the clinical and legal arenas. Her expertise as a nurse practitioner and legal nurse consultant continues to facilitate bridging the gap between the medical and legal sectors through detailed analysis, support, and education. As a legal nurse consultant, Deborah provides full case development services for her legal clients, both plaintiff and defense, for a wide range of medical related cases. Her background as a nurse practitioner brings a unique and progressive approach to case development for her legal clients. Deborah is also an enthusiastic and passionate educator providing programs and presentations focusing on improving patient care and the health of our communities.

Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Deborah Ward maintains a private practice. She receives a speaking honorarium and recording royalties from PESI, Inc. She has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Deborah Ward is a member of the American Association of Legal Nurse Consultants and the American Association of Legal Nurse Consultants.

Dr. Pamela D. Tabor, DNP-Forensics, AFN-BC, serves as a consultant and expert witness in the private sector and for the Department of Defense in military trials. She has testified before the legislature on numerous occasions, has consulted at the Pentagon, served as the director for the Arkansas Infant & Child Death Review Program and developed the Sudden Unexplained Infant Death Investigation Training Program in Arkansas. Pamela holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree with a forensic focus, is a Board-Certified Advance Forensic Nurse and has an Advance Health Specialty Forensic Science Certification. She is a Certified Law Enforcement Standards and Training Instructor and a Fellow with the International Association of Coroners and Medical Examiners.

She served two terms on the board of Directors for the International Association of Forensic Nurses and earned the Distinguished Fellow award. Pamela has published articles in peer-review journals, authored a book chapter in Core Curriculum for Forensic Nursing and is currently working on a chapter about stalking for the Academy of Forensic Nurses.
 

Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Pamela Tabor maintains a private practice. She receives a speaking honorarium from PESI, Inc. She has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Pamela Tabor is a member of the Academy of Forensic Nurses, Medicolegal Death Investigation Committee and the International Association of Coroners and Medical Examiners.

Tisha Barzyk, DNP, AGACNP-BC, CWS®, PLNC, is an adult gerontology acute care nurse practitioner, advanced wound care expert, and professional legal nurse consultant. She has a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from Vanderbilt University School of Nursing in Nashville, Tennessee. She has over twenty-five years of clinical experience in acute trauma, orthopaedic trauma, vascular surgery, and advanced wound care. Dr. Barzyk is certified as a Wound Care Nurse – Advanced Practice through The Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nurses Society. She works as an advanced wound care provider and is the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Clinical Officer for Integumetrix, which she founded in 2016 as a nurse practitioner and physician assistant advanced wound care consultation group practice. Integumetrix provides over 40,000 visits a year to patients with acute and chronic wounds in the acute and post-acute care settings across three states.

Dr. Barzyk also performs expert witness services for wound care malpractice cases. She has reviewed and provided opinions and expert testimony for almost one hundred fifty wound care malpractice cases since 2013. This experience has given her extensive insight and a unique understanding of the standard of care and common breaches in care settings across the United States. She is active in the local and national wound care community and performs work in other aspects of wound care including product research and evaluation, development of wound care policy and protocol, inpatient and outpatient wound care program development and integration, and has participated in and led numerous standard of care initiatives.  

 

Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Tisha Barzyk is the owner of Integumetrix, Nexus Practitioners, LLC., and Nexus Legal. She receives compensation as a consultant and educator. She receives a speaking honorarium from Smith + Nephew, Health Trust, and is a content expert with the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Tisha Barzyk receives a speaking honorarium and recording royalties from PESI, Inc. All relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations have been mitigated.
Non-financial: Tisha Barzyk is a member of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, the American Nurses Association, the American Professional Wound Care Association, others. For a complete list, please contact info@pesi.com. She serves on the wound care product committee with HCA TriStar Division.

Pam Collins, MSN, CMSRN, RN-BC, has 40 years of varied nursing experiences that includes administration, nursing faculty, staff nurse, extensive experience as a nursing professional development practitioner with a focus in leadership development, and work as an education and legal consultant. Pam has served as an expert witness for plaintiff and defense medical malpractice cases, specific to nursing. She is dually certified in medical-surgical nursing from the American Nurses Credentialing Center and the Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses, is also certified in nursing professional development, and has a proven track record of helping nurses achieve certification in medical-surgical nursing and nursing professional development.

Pam’s accomplishments include being a published author in nursing journals and textbooks, and just recently authored a medical-surgical certification review book. Pam has served on the advisory panel for the American Nurses Credentialing Center, has been the recipient of various awards for her contribution to education and nursing professional development, and was a flight nurse in the United States Air Force Reserve. Pam presents nationally on clinical and legal topics and is known for her ability to engage the audience.

 

Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Pamela Collins maintains a private practice and has an employment relationship with Atrium Health System. She receives a speaking honorarium and recording royalties from PESI, Inc. She has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Pamela Collins is a member of the Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses, the American Nurses Association, and the § Association for Nursing Professional Development.

Cyndi Zarbano, MSN-Ed, CCRN, PCCN, CMSRN, LNC, NLCP, brings 30 years of frontline nursing experience across intensive care, emergency, and flight nursing – and she continues to take patient assignments as an intensive care nurse at Mayo Clinic in Minnesota. That direct patient care isn’t just background; it’s the foundation of everything she teaches.

A sought-after speaker on national and international stages, Cyndi is known for delivering evidence-based clinical content with the kind of real-world perspective and genuine humor that makes learning stick. She practices what she preaches when it comes to professional growth, currently pursuing her third master’s degree – this one in leadership.

Her expertise extends well beyond the bedside. Since 2008, Cyndi has served as a legal nurse consultant on more than 300 cases spanning plaintiff, defense, and boards of nursing matters. She has accumulated critical perspectives on clinical documentation, standards of care, and the moments when nursing judgment makes all the difference. A 10-year US Navy veteran who left service as a Lieutenant Commander, she carries that same precision, discipline, and commitment to excellence into every room she enters.

 

Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Cynthia Zarbano is the owner of Clinical Review Consultants and has an employment relationship with Mayo Mankato. She receives a speaking honorarium, recording, and book royalties from PESI, Inc. She has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Cynthia Zarbano has no relevant non-financial relationships.