Law & Ethics - Lecture 4 Flashcards
What must nurses understand?
Nurses must understand law and ethics as these principles guide their professional practice, patient relationships and decision making
What does the NMC code (2018) integrate?
It integrates law & ethics to ensure nurses can navigate ethical dilemmas, advocate for patients and address legal rights
What are the different types of laws?
- Legislation
- Common law
- Civil/Tort law
- Criminal law
What impacts does law have on nursing?
- Legislation = Mental Health Act 1983
- Common law = Confidentiality
- Civil/Tort law = Negligence
- Criminal law = Assault
What does key legislation include?
- The Care Act 2014
- Equality Act 2010
- Data Protection Act 2018
What are the 4 main ethical theories relevant to nursing?
- Deontology = Duty based
- Utilitarianism = Consequence based
- Rights based = Legal duties/rights
- Virtue ethics = Character & values
What do the ethical theories provide?
They provide frameworks for ethical decision-making, though they may conflict in practical situations
What ethical principles do nurses apply?
- Autonomy
- Beneficence
- Non-maleficence
- Justice
What do the ethical principles guide?
They guide actions related to patient consent, confidentiality, safeguarding and duty of care, balancing patient rights with professional obligations
What are nurses bound to provide?
Nurses are legally and ethically bound to provide high-quality care, ensure patient safety and respect confidentiality and consent
What other legal/ethical obligations do nurses need to follow in practice?
- The Mental Capacity Act (2005)
- Duty of Care
- Safeguarding responsibilities
