Nursing Legal Practice Flashcards
What does the Nurse Practice Act do?
Authority, power, and composition of a BOA
Education program standards
Defines RN
Description nursing functions
Scope of practice
Grounds for disciplinary action, other violations, and possible fines/penalties
The Nurse Practice Act sets legal parameters for nursing practice.
What authority does the State Board of Nursing have?
Adopt rules and regulations for nursing practice
Issue, revoke, or suspend nursing licenses
Set standards for nursing programs, delineate scope of practice for RN’s, LPN’s, and APN’s
The State Board of Nursing plays a critical role in regulating nursing standards.
Define Criminal Law in the context of nursing.
Criminal negligence that results in serious injury or death to a patient
Criminal Law addresses actions deemed so reckless that they endanger patient safety.
What is Civil Law regarding nursing practice?
Negligence or misconduct that does not meet expected standards of care, placing the client at risk for injury
Civil Law is essential for protecting patients from substandard care.
Malpractice
a failure to act reasonably and prudently
What does Liability mean for a Registered Nurse?
The RN assumes responsibility for patient harm due to negligent acts
Cannot be relieved of liability by another professional and damages may affect current assets and future earnings
Liability ensures accountability in nursing practice.
What is the Good Samaritan Law?
Protects RNs who provide emergency assistance outside of work, given the nurse provides a standard of care that is reasonable
This law encourages nurses to assist in emergencies without fear of legal repercussions.
What does the Patient Self-Determination Act (PSDA) stipulate?
Clients must be informed of their right to accept or refuse care upon admission; must sign a document when refusing care; an AMA must be filed if leaving before discharge
The PSDA emphasizes patient autonomy in healthcare decisions.
What circumstances require filing an incident report?
Patient injury/Unanticipated patient death
Malfunction or failure of durable medical equipment
Significant or unanticipated adverse reactions to therapy
Inability to meet a patient’s needs after consultation
System problesms
Unresolved problem with order
Patient complains about healthcare worker
Toxic spills, fires, environmental emergencies
Violent behavior on part of the family or patient
Incident reports are crucial for quality assurance and safety in healthcare settings.
