Chapter 6: Ethical and Legal Issues

Students learn the systematic process for resolving ethical dilemmas, including the consultation and support available through institutional ethics committees. The legal foundation of nursing practice centers on the Nurse Practice Act, which defines scope of practice and establishes standards of care that protect both patients and nurses. The chapter thoroughly addresses liability concerns, distinguishing between negligence and malpractice while providing practical examples of how failures in duty, causation, and damages create legal exposure. Professional responsibilities extend to understanding and protecting patient rights, particularly regarding informed consent for minors and emancipated minors, confidentiality protections under HIPAA, and the Patient's Bill of Rights. End-of-life care involves advance directives such as living wills, durable power of attorney for healthcare, and do-not-resuscitate orders, requiring nurses to facilitate informed decision-making. The chapter identifies specific legal risks including assault, battery, false imprisonment, and invasion of privacy, alongside guidance on documentation practices that protect against liability. Critical nursing responsibilities include mandatory reporting of abuse, impaired colleagues, communicable diseases, and unsafe work environments, as well as proper incident reporting procedures. Additional topics address staffing challenges and floating assignments, workplace safety obligations under OSHA standards, appropriate social media boundaries, and the role of professional liability insurance in protecting nurses during their careers.