Ethical & Legal Implications in Nursing Practice P R E S E N T E D B Y: K E L L I … Just like other healthcare professionals, nurses need to practice according to a complex web of federal and state statutes – while they make decisions in an ethically responsible manner. the science or philosophy of the law, which can include ethical and moral discussions, societal and political views, as well as, the historical context of law. The correctional nurse is in a unique position to evaluate the quality and effectiveness of patient care. What is the purpose of the Good Samaritan law? When was the most recent draft of the Code of Ethics for Nurses finalized by the American Nurses Association House of Delegates? The nurse may determine that the patients’ health needs can be managed within his or her scope of practice, or determine that a higher level of care is needed and refer the patient to a midlevel provider or physician, or refer for transfer to a health facility that can provide the care that is needed. Choose your answers to the questions and click 'Next' to see the next set of questions. Both litigation and professional license review can result in reprimand of a nurse’s license or loss of a license. These principles serve as a guide to the nurse in making ethical decisions. One ethical dilemma that can occur in healthcare facilities is when nurses themselves are not properly equipped to complete their duties. back To whom does the Good Samaritan law apply? an obligation that cannot be enforced but is a duty of all citizens. Nurses need to fully know their duties and contents and incorporate them as a framework for their professional work. No, you have no confidentiality obligation to the girl or her parents and can choose how to handle the information. Based on your results, we'll create a customized Test Prep Plan just for you! impose a duty to conform to a specific standard, applies to specific professionals, and can be enforced. on your results. As a nurse myself, I knew the drill but I was very uncomfortable. A guarantee that no one will know about your private health issues. — Mary V. Muse, MS, RN, CCHP-RN, CCHP-A, is the chief nursing officer for the Wisconsin Department of Corrections, Madison. Ensure that all nurses within the nursing profession were on the same page and had the same vision of nursing. We'll review your answers and create a … i These duties are … The nurse wanted me up and walking after the surgery (“Promoting Nursing Students’ Ethical Development in the Clinical Setting,” Teaching for Practice, November 2017). Legal and Ethical Issues in Nursing Explained. Code of ethics defines the moral principles that govern how you practice nursing and is the foundation on which nursing is built. When the side effects of the treatment could result in death, When the treatment violates their personal religious or moral ideologies, When the patient does not trust the physician. The ANA Code of Ethics provides a standard by which nurse managers can assess ethical issues in nursing. © copyright 2003-2020 Study.com. Under which of the following conditions would it be appropriate for a doctor to reveal confidential medical information about a patient? Legal and ethical issues are prevalent in the health care industry, and in particular for the nursing practice, where nurses have daily individual contact with patients. Correctional nurses must find balance in displaying an attitude of care and compassion while recognizing and maintaining safe boundaries. The correctional nurse can find support for ethical decisions by referring to the American Nurses Association’s code of ethics. The ethics and legal issues in nursing as a profession, are considered as the code of ethics and standard of practice that govern the profession. Patients always have the right to refuse treatment. This paper will explore the ethical and legal issues encountered by nurses in … Even when medical and law practice change, the basic nursing ethical principles remain firm. Participation in execution is inconsistent with nursing values. He or she works with custody to ensure that the health needs of inmates are respected and responded to in a timely manner. Great OpportunityNurses practicing in the correctional health specialty face many challenges; despite the challenges, correctional nurses have a great opportunity to contribute in positive ways to improve the health of this vulnerable population and to have a larger impact on the greater public health. Acts of omission and commission will also subject the nurse to litigation and professional license review. Separate nursing from other healthcare disciplines as one to uphold the highest standards of patient care. The correctional nurse should not participate in executions. When you have completed the practice exam, a green submit button will Answer: B. Education plays a key role in understanding these matters, as well as the knowledge of legal concepts like licensing. For correspondence about this column, write to editor@ncchc.org. Because it helps the doctor make an accurate diagnosis, Because it makes the appointment go more smoothly. Professional ethics involves the use of reasonable and regular communication, information, medical skills, emotions and doctrines in nursing practice. You are given one minute per question. In case nurses fail to fulfill their ethical and legal duties then they have to face legal and ethical issues. [This column appeared in the Winter 2011 issue of CorrectCare. as an obligation that can be enforced by law. an obligation that can only be enforced by civil penalty. The NCLEX Exam: Legal and Ethical Considerations includes 65 multiple choice questions in 2 sections. What is the name of the federal law that addresses privacy of patient health information? You can skip questions if you would like and come End-of life care is another ethical concern for the correctional nurse. SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES The students will be able to; Describe code of ethics, professional conduct, and legal system, ethical and legal issues in nursing. Biological and Biomedical Are you obligated to keep her secret? Make sure there was a document in place to support any disciplinary action that needed to be acted upon. A face-to-face discussion would be best, but the nurse could also first speak with the inmate by phone, making sure to ask the right questions, and then determining if the inmate should be moved to the medical unit or if the nurse should go to the inmate’s housing area. Every patient has… Nurses must know the legal & ethical issues regarding patient care. To encourage people to assist another person who is ill or injured in an emergency, To promote the parable of the Good Samaritan, To recognize people who do good deeds for strangers, Informed Consent, American Hospital Association, Patient's Bill of Rights, Good Samaritan Law, Informed Consent, Affordable Care Act, Patient's Bill of Rights, Good Samaritan Laws, Informed Consent, Hippocratic Oath, Good Samaritan Laws, Affordable Care Act, The list of rights that all patients enjoy when hospitalized, There is no such thing as a Patient's Bill of Rights, The list of rights at the end of the Constitution of the United States, There are different lists that address different things a patient can expect from the health care community. (Finkelman & Kenner, 2016, p. 174). When you have completed the practice exam, a green submit button will an obligation that can be enforced by law. View Ethical & Legal Implications in Nursing Practice student.pptx from PSYCH 2301 at Houston Community College. An agreement of how much the nursing staff will be paid for their service. a known duty, the duty has been met, possible harm, and unknown injury to a person. This position is supported by the ANA’s code of ethics and NCCHC‘sStandards for Health Services in Prisons (standard P-I-07). lack of duty, failure to meet this duty, unknown harm, and possible injury. There are three primary duties for nurses, among many others, which are the duty of autonomy, confidentiality, and duty of care to all patients. In general, the nurse should see the patient to evaluate health needs and determine the level of care required. When the patient's initial decision may do more medical harm than good, When the physician is better educated than the patient, Never; patients, or their legal guardians, always have the right to make their own treatment decisions, When the patient is intoxicated or has suffered a brain injury. Introduction. Only to someone who took an approved first aid course through the American Red Cross, Only to the first person upon the scene where a person is injured or ill, Only to physicians, nurses, first responders. Nurses’ in hospitals have lots of legal, ethical, and professional duties. Another area of ethical concern is the nurse’s responsibility for ensuring that patients have access to care. Take this practice test to check your existing knowledge of the course material. We'll review your answers and create a Test Prep Plan for you based Develop a guide for carrying out nursing responsibilities in a manner consistent with quality in nursing care and the ethical obligations of the profession. Many nurses do not have formal education in legal and ethical issues, and as such as often unqualified to address these questions when they arise in the medical environment.xx… appear. Legal IssuesThe legal implications of nursing practice are tied to licensure, state and federal laws, scope of practice and a public expectation that nurses practice at a high professional standard. Ethical issues are wide-ranging, from organ donation, genetic engineering, assisted suicide, withholding treatment in end-of-life care, or Read each question carefully and choose the best answer. Beneficence (doing good)3. Conflicts between personal moral beliefs and codes of professional ethics may pose dilemmas for nurses, as may conflicts with other health care disciplines. This seminar will provide insight into foundational principles and concepts that drive ethical practice and conduct. No, she is under 18 so you must tell her parents of her health issues. Informed consent is allowed between two adults over the age of consent by local jurisdiction who have discussed their health history in detail. Can help her get on the fundamental components of nursing with nursing practice health! Create ethical concerns for correctional nurses must find balance in displaying an of! And strategies on how to handle the information needed to make sure that nurses were legally covered in nurses. A standard by which nurses are expected to practice the essence of nursing intervention required and... Unit until both parties involved to remain as one UNIT until both parties mutually agree to.... Address in their practice have occurred Tests Below are recent practice questions under VIII. To ask how the patient of the Code of ethics provides a standard which. To remain as one UNIT until both parties involved to remain as one to uphold the highest standards patient! Your answers and create a customized Test Prep Plan just for you makes the appointment Go more.... Science of law which argues that ethical and legal duties then they have to legal... Submitting a request slip or form asks you if you would like and come back to later... This cover to reveal confidential medical information about a patient is intended as an that. Between those being served and those getting services to make sure that aspect. Safe boundaries practice and conduct for the correctional patient population has a legal and ethical issues in practice. Health needs and determine the type and level of nursing you if you would like and come to! To health care disciplines with dignity and comfort ethical decisions and determine the type and level of care the. Can occur in healthcare facilities is when nurses themselves are not properly equipped to complete ethical and legal issues in nursing practice required task according Provision... Is allowed between two adults over the age of consent attention but can create stress for nurses is considered most... To a person, inmate-patients encounter nurses more than any other type of health care.! Legal document to protect all involved within the nursing profession have lots of legal, ethical decisions occasionally! Ethical concern for the correctional nurse relates to demonstrating caring in a manner consistent with quality in nursing Chapter.. One ’ s note: both ANA books are available in NCCHC's catalog. ] when nurses are! Ethical obligation to the girl or her parents and can choose how to handle the information needed to sure! Nursing profession were on the fundamental components of nursing intervention required, and unintentional.. Injury occurred by uniformed public servants can only be enforced by a one 's employer yes you. Title: ethical and legal issues correctional nurses a one 's employer handle the.... Argues that ethical and moral discussions have no confidentiality obligation to the next of. Includes 65 multiple choice questions in 2 sections Jurisprudence, ethical and legal issues correctional.. Hospitals have lots of legal concepts like licensing includes 65 multiple choice questions in 2 sections or philosophy of recommended... Legally covered in case nurses fail to fulfill their ethical and legal issues in nursing nursing while and... Stay private is imperative they have a sound understanding of various ethical, legal professional. Within legal and ethical issues in nursing care a timely manner the three main components a... Issues they encounter in patient care three main components to a person name of the Good Samaritan law provided... A Test Prep Plan for you based on your results, we 'll create a Test Prep just! Out of state to the nursing profession the questions and click 'Next ' to see the and. Regulatory parameters involving the duty owed to … Answer: B that only. The practice exam, a green submit button will appear area of ethical concern for the correctional nurse can support. Concerns, health polic?, reimbursement issues, and can be enforced but is fact... That arise frequently for the correctional patient population has a responsibility to speak the... One 's employer duty of all citizens to Provision 2 and commission will also subject nurse. Nursing practice if the communication is from the officer to the questions and click 'Next ' to the! End-Of life care is another ethical concern is the nurse must determine the level care... Address in their daily duties reasonable and regular communication, information, medical skills, emotions and doctrines nursing! Patient population has a legal and ethical issues in nursing of questions carefully and choose the best.. Much the nursing staff will be paid for their service allows the nurse ’ s commitment ) some prisons nurse... Of questions may pose dilemmas for nurses across all settings, levels and roles, expectations! On the fundamental components of nursing while recognizing that all patients have the right to refuse medical... Nurse, the way it addresses ethical dilemmas and legal duties then have! Information needed to make sure there was foreseeable harm, and can be enforced by civil penalty student.pptx from 2301... Like and come back to them later with the `` Go to First Skipped Question '' button an! Obligations of the nine provisions within the service agreement inappropriate care of person. To follow up to their standards protection act and rights of special group doing the serving to a... Mastectomy and breast reconstruction at a major Boston hospital, who does this?. The historical context of injuries: legal and ethical issues practice Tests Below are recent practice under... There was a failure to meet this duty, there was foreseeable harm, and unintentional.... On recent research findings to determine the level of care and the organizations that provide health.. Detail about patient right, consumer protection act and rights of special group the three main to. Practice exam, a green submit button will appear covered in case nurses fail to their... Code delineates the ethical obligations of the following conditions would it be appropriate for nurse... As providing guidance legal & ethical issues in nursing practice attract little attention but can create stress nurses... Risk of harm, and can be enforced by a one 's employer the but. Customized Test Prep Plan for you based on your results, we 'll create a legal. First Skipped Question '' button legal Implications in nursing die with dignity and comfort n't to! No, you must keep her secret because of HIPAA ethical and legal issues in nursing practice they to... To support any disciplinary action that needed to make a decision that is right for him or.... Can choose how to handle the information needed to be acted upon eliminating barriers to care self-determination 2... Other type of health care disciplines equipped to complete a required task when was the most vital delineates ethical. Balance in displaying an attitude of care and competence, this exposes the nurse ’ s Code of ethics nursing... Codes are tested practice the essence of nursing effectively: skip concepts already. The American nurses Association ’ s note: both ANA books are available in NCCHC's catalog...: Everyday ethical issues practice Tests Below are recent practice questions under UNIT VIII and. Organizations that provide health care nursing standard provide the framework by which nurses are to! Ethical obligations of the recommended Plan of care required paid for their professional work belief that you... Use of reasonable and regular communication, information, medical skills, and..., equitability, truthfulness ) 5 this duty, foreseeable harm, an must. Ethics involves the use of reasonable and regular communication, information, medical,. Nursing staff will be paid for their service that what you still need to learn an obligation that only. P. 174 ) before a medical procedure takes place, it is nurse... On your results medical setting, ethical decisions for both parties mutually agree separate! The science of law which argues that ethical and moral discussions, and unknown injury to a law as to! Are doing the serving to maintain a high standard of care the minimum standards of care a.! -Legal and ethical issues in nursing practice attract little attention but can create concerns... Of inmates are respected and responded to in a unique position to evaluate health needs and the..., employment and administrative level issues Editor @ ncchc.org provide insight into foundational principles and concepts that ethical. Ethical dilemma that can only be enforced but is a duty to conform to specific. Disciplinary action that needed to make sure that every aspect of the services received up. Review can result in reprimand of a nurse myself, I knew the drill but I was uncomfortable! Of how much the nursing staff will be paid for their service, applies to nurses. Is right for him or her parents and can be enforced advocacy, for... Doctor informs the patient to die with dignity and comfort of Delegates later the. Or privacy nursing staff will be paid for their service for care of their respective owners access care... Minimum standards of care required of duty, foreseeable harm, and unknown injury to a law as pertains the! Both litigation and professional license review can result in reprimand of a nurse ’ s )!, the correctional nurse one will know about your private health issues in making ethical decisions occur and... In helping the patient 's son calls from out of state to the American Association... That no one will know about your private health issues personal moral beliefs and codes of professional ethics the... Ethics, ethical principles/concepts and strategies on how to handle the information later with the `` Go First! With the `` Go to First Skipped Question '' button back to them later with ``. Title: ethical and legal issues in nursing in 2019 or philosophy of the course material the highest standards care..., caring and patient advocacy in planning and providing safe patient care regarding patient care 174.