Legal & Law Ethical Aspects of Nursing

Practice how a person should act in societySanction acceptable behavior and prohibit unacceptible behavior.Provide protection for all members of the health care system.

Conduct in issue is offensive to society in generalConduct is detrimental to society as a wholeInvolves public offenses(robbery battery assault murder) Purpose is to punish for the crime and deter and prevent further crimes.

Conduct violates a persons rightsConduct is detrimental to that individualinvolves an offense that is against an indevidualLaws purpose is to make the aggrieved person whole again, to restore them to where they were

Developed by federal, state, and local govenments

Developed in response to specific legal questions brought before the court and usually follow precedent (previous ruling issue)

Legal responsibilitya nurse can be charged with civil or criminal liability depending on the particular circumstances surrounding the case.

Being responsible for ones own actions

Nurse-patient relationshipWhen the nurse assumes responsibility for the patients care.Failure to provide care to the expected level of expertise gives rise to legal liability

One who will defend or plead a cause or issue on behalf of anotherthe nurse accepts the role of an advocate for the patientA nurse advocate has a legal and ethical obligation to safeguard the patients interest.

Developed by the American Hospital Association in 1972 Goal is to promote the publics understanding of their rights and responsibilities as consumers of health care.

A person agrees to allow a particular. treatment based on full disclosure of the facts. needed to make an intelligent (informed) decision.Consent must be aware of the benifits of the treatment, the risks involved, any alternative treatments and the consequences of refusing the treatment.

Unlawful touching of a person, an intent to harm is NOT necessary.

Provides immunity from liability in certain circumstancesEncourages assistance in emergencies occurring outside of a medical facility by providing protection against liability.

Values that influence a persons behaviorAn individuals feelings and beliefs about hat is right and wrong.

Habits,ways of actingMembers of a family expected to behave in a certain wayInfluenced by religious teachings