Although they represent a small percentage of litigation against institutions of higher education, suits against schools of nursing are more likely than others to be brought by students, and the students often win. (JOW)

Explores legislation and the judicial interpretation of laws that affect disabled students in health care professions. Reviews and analyzes the reported case law in which health care students have claimed discrimination against education programs because of their disabilities. Presents implications for nursing education programs. (JOW)

Review of a federal court ruling that the University of Mississippi could receive Medicare reimbursement for costs of clinical education but not for classroom nursing instruction identifies gaps in the nursing literature and a need for clearer delineation of program types and allowable costs. (SK)

As affirmative-action programs undergo legal scrutiny, nursing education is challenged to develop policies to broaden participation without reliance on racial categories. The benefits of diversifying the nursing work force need not be discarded in response to judicial and political actions. (Author/SK)

A bias toward teacher education's model of professional development rather than medicine's has hindered nursing education in using Medicare for clinical teaching. Health care reform provides opportunities for nurse educators to fund graduate programs by assuming an entrepreneurial role. (SK)

The academic dismissal of a nursing student for obesity raises questions about the basis for determining compliance with performance contracts and faculty responsibility for protecting student privacy. The case demonstrates the importance of clearly defined expectations and the need to respect privacy concerns. (SK)