Human Trafficking: A Practical Guide for Healthcare Providers

This vital CE course equips nursing professionals with the skills and clinical insight necessary to identify, respond to, and support victims of human trafficking within healthcare settings. The course outlines real-world protocols for screening, intervention, and referral, while emphasizing trauma-informed care and compliance with state-mandated reporting laws. Enroll now to strengthen your ability to recognize signs of exploitation, provide compassionate support, and fulfill your legal and ethical obligations in patient care.

Participants will explore the global and national scope of human trafficking, with an emphasis on its presence in clinical environments such as emergency departments, primary care, urgent care, and behavioral health facilities. The course details key red flags for both labor and sex trafficking, including physical, psychological, and behavioral indicators. Nurses will learn effective communication strategies that support disclosure and build trust, while maintaining patient safety and confidentiality.

Legal requirements for mandatory reporting, particularly in Florida and other high-incidence states, are thoroughly reviewed. The course also provides an overview of referral pathways to social services, law enforcement, and community-based advocacy organizations. Cultural competence, ethical sensitivity, and interdisciplinary collaboration are emphasized throughout to ensure holistic and victim-centered care.

Learning Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Define human trafficking and distinguish between labor and sex trafficking.
• Identify risk factors, indicators, and screening tools applicable in healthcare settings.
• Demonstrate trauma-informed, patient-centered communication techniques.
• Understand federal and state laws related to human trafficking, including mandatory reporting requirements.
• Develop effective referral strategies to appropriate support services.
• Apply ethical principles when interacting with suspected trafficking victims, including confidentiality and patient autonomy.

Course Completion Requirements:

To complete this CE course and receive full credit, participants must:

• Register for the course.
• Review all course materials.
• Complete the post-test with a passing score of 70% or higher.
• Submit the course evaluation survey.

Note: Some courses may include additional requirements, such as participation in discussion boards or completion of practice exercises.

Important Disclosures:

• Conflict of Interest: The course planners, authors, and presenters have no financial or commercial conflicts of interest related to this educational activity.
• Commercial Support: This course has not received any sponsorship or financial support from commercial entities.
• Non-Endorsement: Approval of this course as a continuing education activity does not imply endorsement of any products, services, or companies mentioned within the content.
• Off-Label Product Use: No information related to off-label use of FDA-approved products is included in this course.