Legal Dimensions of Nursing Practice

These flashcards cover essential legal concepts and terms related to nursing practice, highlighting definitions, distinctions between types of law, and key processes in legal and ethical aspects of healthcare.

Law

A standard or rule of conduct established and enforced by government, designed to protect the rights of the public.

Public Law

Law regulating relationships between individuals and government.

Private Law

Civil law that regulates relationships among people.

Criminal Law

Concerned with state and federal criminal statutes defining criminal actions such as murder and theft.

Statutory Law

Laws enacted by a legislative body, such as nurse practice acts.

Administrative Law

Law empowered by executive officers, including boards of nursing.

Common Law

Law created by judicial decisions that reconcile controversies and set legal precedents.

Plaintiff

The person or government bringing a lawsuit.

Defendant

The person being accused of a crime, presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Tort

A wrong committed by one person against another, which can be intentional or unintentional.

Intentional Tort

A wrongful act performed on purpose, such as assault and battery or defamation.

Unintentional Tort

A wrongful act that occurs accidentally, such as negligence.

Credentialing

The process of establishing qualifications, including accreditation, licensure, and certification.

Malpractice

Professional negligence or failure to meet standards of care that results in harm.

Informed Consent

The process by which a patient gives permission for a medical intervention after being fully informed of the risks and benefits.

HIPAA

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, which ensured patient rights related to their health records.

Incident Report

A document that records details of an incident involving a patient to ensure accountability and improve safety.

Safety Program

A type of risk management program focused on maintaining safe practices in healthcare settings.