ETHICAL AND LEGAL ISSUES

Key Terms

Ethics Bioethics-term given to right vs wrong decisions or

actions as they relate to the scope of the medical fieldMorals

Reflects the way a person interprets respect for other individuals

Values Understanding a patient’s values allows for the nurse

to understand the decisions and actions of the patientRights

A legally recognized entitlement (freedom)

Ethical Dilemma

This is a situation that requires an individual to make a choice between two equally unfavorable alternatives.

How do you make these choices? By utilizing ethical principles, or guidelines to help you

examine the issue and decide on what action (or if an action) should be taken.

Ethical Principles

Autonomy Right to determine your own destiny

Beneficence Duty to promote the good of others

Nonmaleficence Do no harm to others

Justice Fairness, equal treatment regardless of race, sex etc.

Veracity One’s duty to be truthful

Model for Making Decisions vs. Nursing Process

Decision Making Model

Assess situation Identify problem Make a plan Implement plan Evaluate

Nursing Process

Assessment Diagnosis Identify outcome

wanted Planning Implementation Evaluation

Ethical Issues for Psychiatric Nursing

The Right to Refuse Medicine Established in 1992 The patient has the

right to refuse medication “to the extent permitted by law” and to be “informed of the medical consequences of his actions”

Least Restrictive Doctrine Health care providers

must attempt to provide treatment in the manner that least restricts the freedom of clients. Including seclusion Chemical intervention Mechanical Restraints

Legal Issues

ConfidentialityPrivacyPHI (protected health information)Informed Consent- this may be challengedRestraints and SeclusionCommitment IssuesNursing Liability

Malpractice/ Negligence/ Defamation of character/ assault/battery

How do I avoid Liability?

Respond to the patient, put their welfare firstEducate the patientComply with standard of careSupervise careAdhere to the nursing processDocument!!! DOCUMENTFollow upDevelop a good relationship with client and

family