Nursing Ethics and Legal Responsibilities

Introduction

• Lecture by Dr. Chair DMP from Delgado Charity School of Nursing.
• Focus on advocacy, legal, and ethical concepts in nursing.
• Importance of protecting nursing license and patient advocacy.

Key Concepts

Ethics and Advocacy

• Nurses advocate based on what the patient wants, not personal beliefs.
• Nurses must provide information for informed decision-making.
• Values and beliefs influence nursing actions; nurses must set aside personal values when advocating.

Professional Guidelines

• Nurses acquire values through socialization, experiences, and code of ethics.
• Importance of professional values and setting personal beliefs aside in patient advocacy.

Legal Aspects

• Nurses hold accountability and responsibility for their actions and possibly others.
• Importance of following professional code of ethics and understanding mandatory reporting.
• Legal obligations to intervene in unethical or unsafe practices.

Nursing Code of Ethics

• ANA code of ethics as a guide for nursing practice.
• Principles of ethical decision-making, including autonomy, beneficence, and justice.

Legal Issues in Nursing

Malpractice and Negligence

• Malpractice is conduct deviating from the standard of practice.
• Importance of continuing education and understanding regulations.
• Strategies to prevent negligence include understanding equipment and effective communication.

Documentation

• Accurate documentation is crucial; if it's not documented, it's not done.
• Legal implications and importance of defensive documentation.

Patient Safety

• Ensuring patient safety to prevent malpractice claims.
• Importance of using patient identifiers and maintaining correct procedures.

Liability Insurance

• Recommended for nurses to carry professional liability insurance.
• Types of coverage: occurrence-based and claims-made policies.

Scope of Practice

• Governed by the Nurse Practice Act, varies by state.
• Nurses must know their legal scope of practice and cannot perform outside of it.

Mandatory Reporting

• Legal requirement to report abuse, neglect, or unethical conduct.
• Reporting must follow the chain of command.

Informed Consent

• Patients have the right to informed consent; must be obtained by a qualified provider.
• Consent involves understanding risks, benefits, and alternatives.
• Special rules for minors and emergency situations.

Good Samaritan Law

• Protects nurses when providing emergency care outside of employment.
• Must adhere to standards of care and continue care until help arrives.

HIPAA and Patient Privacy

• Protects patient information and privacy.
• Nurses must ensure confidentiality and understand conditions for disclosure.

Conclusion

• Emphasis on the importance of protecting oneself legally and ethically in nursing.
• Encouragement to obtain liability insurance and remain informed about professional responsibilities.
• Contact information for further questions provided.