RNSG 1324

Concept-Based Transition to Professional Nursing Practice

Concept – ETHICAL and LEGAL PRACTICE

Concept Definition

Ethical and Legal Practice is a system of laws and moral principles or standards governing human conduct. (NC)

Exemplars

Nursing Practice Act

Patient Confidentiality (HIPAA and Social Media)

ANA Code of Ethics

Patient Rights

Criminal Law

Civil Law

Informed Consent

Objectives

  1. Explain the concept of Ethical and Legal Practice (including definition, antecedents, and attributes).
  2. Analyze conditions which risk the imbalance of Ethical and Legal Practice related to the listed exemplars.
  3. Identify when Ethical and Legal imbalance (negative consequence) is developing or has developed related to the listed exemplars.
  4. Discuss positive consequences and outcomes related to Ethical and Legal Practice.
  5. Discuss circumstances which include listed exemplars impacting Ethical and Legal Practice.
  6. Describe the ethical-legal parameters for nursing practice related to the listed exemplars.
  7. Apply the Texas Board of Nursing’s Practice Act rules and regulations as a basic attribute to implementing Ethical and Legal practice.
  8. Discuss social media related to adherence to Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) regulations.
  9. Explore the Texas Board of Nursing Rules and Regulations related to professional conduct, standards of practice, and unprofessional conduct in relation to the ANA Code of Ethics.
  10. Discuss how patient rights affect Ethical and Legal Practice.
  11. Analyze the role of the nurse related to risk and quality management based on the ethical and legal standards.
  12. Discuss controversial ethical and legal issues related to the delivery of quality health care.

Assignments

Prior to class

  • Follow the “Read Me” File under the Ethical & Legal Practice Module on Canvas
  • Review the Ethical & Legal Practice Concept Analysis Diagram with explanation
  • Complete the assigned readings

*Page numbers, assignments, and other lecture information will be posted on blackboard.

  • Giddens (2017) Chapters42 & 58
  • Yoost (2015) Chapter 11
  • Zerwekh (2014) Chapters 19 & 20

Concept Content Outline:

  • Ethics & Legal PreceptsDefined
  • Ethical Rules of Professional Conduct
  • Values and Ethics
  • Ethical Issues/ Dilemmas
  • Ethical Principles of Health Care
  • The Law in Nursing / Statutory Law
  • Standards of Care / Accountability
  • Consent / Advocacy/ HIPAA

ANA Code of Ethics

  • The code of ethics and professional identity
  • History of the code of ethics for nurses and reasons for current changes
  • Provisions of the code of ethics for nurses
  • Key interpretive statements
  • The significance of the Code in guiding and empowering nurses

Patient Bill of Rights

  • Patient’s Bill of Rights
  • Patient Self Determination Act
  • Refusal of treatment
  • Advance directives (next level)
  • Confidentiality/privacy
  • Informed consent
  • Emergency treatment and stabilization (Emergency Medical Treatment & Labor Act)

Criminal Law in Healthcare

  • Healthcare fraud
  • Falsification of records
  • Drug use and diversion, theft
  • Patient abuse or neglect
  • Rape and murder
  • Crimes outside the healthcare setting impact licensure

Civil law

  • Tort Law in Healthcare
  • Federal and State laws the impact nursing
  • Intentional torts
  • Texas BON Model for determining Scope of Practice
  • Standard of Practice
  • Unprofessional Conduct
  • Negligence
  • Nursing Malpractice
  • Role of the nurse in maintaining legal standards

Informed Consent

N:ADN Syllabus/CBC Curriculum/Transition Summer 2017/RNSG 1324/Ethical & Legal Practice Revised 3/17