Which of the following is NOT a role of forensic psychiatric nursing?

The role of forensic psychiatric nursing encompasses several responsibilities that are closely tied to the intersection of healthcare and the legal system. Forensic psychiatric nurses often work in correctional facilities, providing mental health care to incarcerated individuals. This reflects the role encompassed in correctional mental health nursing, where nurses address the needs of patients with mental illness in a correctional context.

Additionally, forensic psychiatric nurses engage in assessments related to both criminal and civil competence, determining an individual’s capacity to participate in legal proceedings. They also evaluate criminal responsibility, which involves assessing a person's mental state at the time of an offense to establish whether they can be held accountable for their actions.

However, the recommendation of criminal charges falls outside the scope of the forensic psychiatric nurse's responsibilities. This task is typically reserved for legal professionals and law enforcement officials who gather evidence and make determinations regarding criminal charges. Forensic psychiatric nurses contribute to the understanding of an individual's mental health status and provide expert testimony in legal situations, but they do not have the authority to recommend charges themselves. Their focus is on patient care, assessment, and support in the legal process rather than the legal determination of culpability.