702 – The Overlooked Impact of SLPs in Elder Care and Litigation – Elizabeth McKinney
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In this episode of the Legal Nurse Podcast, we delve into the specialized world of speech and language pathology with expert witness Elizabeth McKinney, who brings 17 years of experience in geriatric care and a wealth of advanced certifications in her field. Elizabeth McKinney sheds light on the extensive educational requirements and ongoing certifications necessary for speech-language pathologists, highlighting their critical role not just in communication but also in swallowing safety, cognitive assessments, and patient advocacy across all care settings.
Listeners will gain an insider’s perspective on how speech-language pathologists contribute to both pediatric and adult care, often working behind the scenes with vulnerable populations in skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, schools, and even home health. The episode also tackles the legal and ethical responsibilities of these professionals, especially in complex cases involving aspiration pneumonia, diet management, and multidisciplinary collaboration. Through compelling case examples including wrongful death due to preventable choking, Elizabeth McKinney illustrates the real-world stakes of clinical decisions and the vital interplay between nurses, dietitians, and speech pathologists.
With her unique view as an expert witness, Elizabeth McKinney discusses both the high standards set by the profession’s code of ethics and the impact of proper documentation, team education, and timely intervention on patient outcomes and litigation. Whether you’re a healthcare provider, legal professional, or simply curious about the hidden dimensions of post-acute care, this episode will deepen your understanding of how speech and language pathology can shape and safeguard patient lives.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode on The Overlooked Impact of SLPs in Elder Care and Litigation
Here are 5 discussion questions answered in the podcast:
- What are the implications when recommended swallowing safety precautions are not followed in skilled nursing facilities?
- How can impulsive or improper diet recommendations by speech-language pathologists contribute to adverse patient outcomes and potential litigation?
- What mechanisms exist for nurses, dietitians, and speech-language pathologists to communicate and collaborate regarding dietary changes and patient safety?
- How does the ASHA Code of Ethics guide the practice and decision-making of speech-language pathologists, especially when unethical practices are observed?
- In what circumstances are speech-language pathologists likely to be named as defendants in malpractice litigation, and how common is this compared to other healthcare providers?
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Your Presenter for The Overlooked Impact of SLPs in Elder Care and Litigation
Pat Iyer
Pat Iyer is a seasoned legal nurse consultant and business coach, renowned for her expertise in guiding new legal nurse consultants to successfully break into the field. As the host of the Legal Nurse Podcast, Pat addresses critical challenges that legal nurse consultants face, such as difficulty in landing clients and a lack of response from attorneys. Through her insightful episodes, she emphasizes the importance of effectively communicating one’s value to potential clients. With a wealth of experience, Pat has empowered countless consultants to overcome these hurdles and thrive in their careers.
Connect with Pat Iyer by email at patiyer@legalnusebusiness.com
Elizabeth McKinney
Speech-Language Pathologist, Expert Witness, Advocate
Elizabeth has been practicing as a speech-language pathologist for 17 years. She graduated from the University of Florida with her bachelor’s degree in communication sciences and disorders with a minor in gerontology and her master’s degree in speech-language pathology. She has devoted her career to the care of geriatrics in skilled nursing facilities across Florida. Elizabeth has been an expert witness since 2023 and has served on nearly 20 cases nationwide.
When she is not on this podcast, she is enjoying the Florida lifestyle with her husband and two kids. She enjoys reading, volunteering, and running in her spare time.
Connect with Elizabeth McKinney by email at emckinneyslp@gmail.com