Ethical and Legal Principles in Nursing

Ethical and legal principles in nursing provide a framework that influences the objectives, actions, and strategies of nurses when providing patient care. When faced with ethical and legal dilemmas, nurses must make decisions. In this blog, you will learn about nursing, physical therapy, and nursing education from an ethical and legal perspective.

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Legal and ethical nursing principles

While interacting with patients, nurses are required to observe and implement certain ethical principles. The following are legal and ethical nursing principles:

Autonomy

Autonomy is the recognition of an individual’s right to choose their own healthcare. It requires that patients be apprised of their condition, as well as the benefits and risks of the proposed treatment. The law permits adult patients to refuse treatment, even if it would be most beneficial for their health, unless their decision would adversely impact the health of another person.

Even if you disagree with your patient’s desires, as a nurse you must support them. The refusal of a patient to receive treatment may be affected by factors such as general health, gender, culture, social status, sexual orientation, age, etc.

Justice

The principle of justice dictates that nurses must treat their patients fairly regardless of their religion, socioeconomic standing, sexual orientation, ethnicity, or gender. In order to improve patient outcomes, nurses should provide impartial medical care to all patients, regardless of their condition. A diagnostic clinic that is accessible to everyone, regardless of their circumstances, is an instance of justice in action.

Beneficence

The beneficence principle requires nurses to treat their patients, society, and community with compassion. The nurse should provide the finest care possible for the patient, regardless of their own feelings. To provide the best care possible, nurses must take into account each patient’s unique opinions, life circumstances, and experiences.

Nurses should act for the benefit of the patient and the protection of others’ rights, assist those with disabilities, prevent damage, rescue those in peril, and eliminate issues that can cause harm.

Non-maleficence

The principle of nonmaleficence requires nurses to refrain from harming their patients. While administering care to their patients, nurses should avoid causing damage. In situations where a patient is insufficiently knowledgeable about a particular procedure, the nurse should never harm the patient. This principle is crucial when making end-of-life decisions, controlling suffering, etc.

Accountability

The principles of accountability require nurses to be accountable for their actions while providing for patients. They are responsible for any personal or professional repercussions that may result from their actions. Responsible nurses are committed to providing high-quality patient care and fostering positive relationships with their patients.

Fidelity

The fidelity principle requires nurses to be loyal and devoted to their patients. Fidelity enables nurses to establish trust and fulfill their obligations, resulting in positive outcomes. Nonetheless, fidelity may pose a dilemma, as commitments may not always result in the greatest outcome for the patient. Integrity requires the protection, maintenance, and observance of confidential information, such as health records.

Veracity

The principle of veracity requires nurses to be truthful and forthcoming with their patients, even if the information is distressing. The accuracy of information strengthens the patient-nurse relationship and empowers patients to make informed decisions.

Legal framework and ethical nursing principles

Nursing law establishes legal actions in patient care, establishes a boundary for independent nursing action, distinguishes the duties of nurses from those of other health practitioners, and upholds standards. The legal indication of nursing practice is determined by law, policy, licensure, and other factors. The skills and knowledge of nurses serve as a foundation for nursing practice.

When a nurse fails to maintain the standards of practice, legal action is taken. For instance, a crime of assort, tort, or battery is committed when a nurse touches a patient despite a refusal. Once the patient can make decisions, informed consent should be obtained. Any harm or injury sustained while providing patient care is also illegal.

A nurse’s license can be revoked or he or she can be reprimanded for malfeasance, negligence, or violation of patient confidentiality while providing care. To avoid this, nurses and nursing students must adhere to the employer’s procedure, protocol, and policies.

Information regarding legal and ethical principles in nursing

External factors, such as rules and regulations, affect nurses’ ability to provide superior patient care. The physical therapist observes the guidelines of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) to provide patients with the best care possible. Occupational therapists, psychologists, rheumatologists, pharmacists, and orthopedics are among the association’s membership.

Physical therapists must adhere to the fiduciary (financial) principle when caring for patients. The principle stipulates that all patients, regardless of their capacity to pay, must be billed according to the Medicaid services billing methodology. The goal of nursing ethics is to obtain a caring response when performing the role and function of a nurse.

Moral commitment enables physical therapists to provide patients with quality healthcare, collaborate with colleagues, and maintain public trust. The APTA instructs its members in professional and ethical conduct through publications and fundamental documents. Understanding the scope of rules, ethical codes, and laws facilitates the selection of the best course of action.

Principles of ethics and the law in nursing education

In nursing education, the National League for Nursing (NLN) addresses ethical issues involving violence, privacy, and dishonesty. The NLN provides nursing education with guiding ethical principles. Integrity, diversity, excellence, and concern are components of ethical practice in nursing education.

The diversity principle necessitates that a nurse educator recognize the uniqueness of each learner and tailor their instructional methods accordingly. All students should receive equal treatment regardless of their age, gender, nationality, ethnicity, or religion. Integrity entails treating pupils with respect, dignity, and professionalism inside and outside of the classroom.

Educators of nurses should also respect and care for students to obtain positive results. In addition to promoting excellence, they should cultivate a culture of innovation and research. Nonetheless, legal action may be taken if:

Patient injury results from a nurse educator’s failure to supervise students in a clinical setting.
A nurse educator assumes responsibility for taking action against a pupil accused of unethical behavior.
A patient is injured or harmed due to inadequate student training.
Nursing legal and ethical issues

In the course of providing patient care, nurses encounter ethical dilemmas. Some of these concerns include the patient’s refusal of treatment due to personal or cultural beliefs, distress with treatment, and making decisions regarding life and death. Numerous legal and ethical issues in nursing can lead to license revocation, termination of employment, and even imprisonment. Legal and ethical issues in nursing are listed below;

Negligence

Intentional or unintentional disregard for fundamental patient care standards constitutes negligence. A nurse is liable for negligence if it results in significant errors, such as the administration of the wrong medication or a failure to communicate.

Defamation

False statements about a patient that cause them injury constitute defamation, such as posting false information about a patient on social media.

Confidentiality

A nurse is required by the code of ethics to protect the privacy and confidentiality of a patient’s health records. If a nurse discloses patient information to an unauthorized third party, they are subject to legal action.

Battery

Physically harassing or handling patients without their consent constitutes battery. When physical contact is necessary, nurses should seek the patient’s permission. Patients have the right to refuse physical contact or treatment, and nurses must respect their wishes.

Required reporting

The legal and ethical obligation of a nurse practitioner is to report neglect, abuse, epidemics, and infectious diseases. For the benefit of their patients, they should also report hazardous practices by colleagues.

Consent based upon

Before performing a medical procedure, the nurse must obtain the patient’s informed consent. Patients must be apprised of the advantages and disadvantages of any medical procedure or treatment. If the patient does not comprehend the implications, the nurse should notify the patient’s immediate family, who will provide consent on behalf of the patient.

Patients’ belief

Before performing any medical procedure, nurses must comprehend the religious and cultural implications of the patient. The nurse must explain the relevant procedure to the patient and modify it if it violates their religious or cultural beliefs.

Nursing ethical decision-making

While providing health care, nurses confront an ethical dilemma that requires strong decision-making skills. Medical progress and technological advancement have contributed to an increase in difficulties. Nurses are required to base their decisions on ethical principles. Ethical decision-making is the framework by which nurses evaluate the consequences of their actions and make decisions.

Using ethical principles, each nurse can provide safe and compassionate care for patients. In addition, nurses must comprehend ethical principles, the code of ethics, legal obligations, and nursing law. To demonstrate adherence to the code of ethics in nursing, a nurse might encourage a patient intending to discontinue cancer treatment to enroll in hospice care.

Final remark

Ethical and legal principles in nursing aid nurses in making decisions regarding patient care-related issues. Patients’ refusal of treatment and making life-or-death decisions are examples of such issues. To effectively operate within boundaries and provide care, nurses must comprehend ethical principles, laws, and legal obligations. Read this article to gain an understanding of the fundamental principles underlying legal and ethical concerns in nursing.

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Ethical and Legal Principles in Nursing

Legal and ethical nursing principles

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