Final: Legal issues Flashcards
As a nurse, you need to understand
Legal limits of nursing
Professional standards of care that affect the nursing practice
Constitutional law
Taken from from federal/state constitutions. things such as the right to refuse treatment
Statutory law
Found in each state
- Criminal law
- civil law
Criminal law
Prevent societal harm. punishment for crimes
Civil law
Protect individuals and ensure fair treatment
Criminal law prevents
Harm to society and provide punishment: categorized as felonies or misdemeanors
A felony is a
serious offense/significant harm
A misdemeanor is
a crime that does not inflict serious harm
Civil laws protect the
Rights of individuals and provide for fair and equitable treatment when civil wrongs or violations occur
Consequences of civil law
Damages in the form of fines or performance of good works such as public service
In a malpractice lawsuit, a nurse’s conduct is compared to
Nursing standards of care
Patient protection and affordable care act
Consumer rights and protections, increased access to care, and stronger medicare
Americans with disabilities act
Protects rights of people with physical or mental disabilities
Emergency medical treatment and active labor act
When a patient presents to an ED, they must be treated
Mental health parity act as enacted under PPACA
Strengthens mental health services
Decreases discrimination
Patient self-determination Act
Advance directives
- living wills
- healthcare proxies or durable power of attorney for health care
Uniform anatomical gift act
Organ donation 18 yr or older, if unable, sequence of decision making occurs