Nursing as a Regulated Practice: Legal Issues

This set of flashcards covers essential vocabulary and concepts related to legal issues in nursing practice as discussed in the lecture.

Model Nursing Practice Act

A legal document that defines the standards and scope of professional nursing.

State Boards of Nursing (SBN)

Regulatory bodies that administer and enforce nursing practice acts at the state level.

Malpractice

Negligence applied to the acts of a professional act that leads to harm.

Delegation

The process by which nurses assign certain tasks to unlicensed assistive personnel while retaining accountability.

Informed Consent

The process of ensuring that patients understand the treatment they will receive, including risks and benefits.

Confidentiality

The legal and ethical duty of nurses to protect patient privacy and personal health information.

HIPAA

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, legislation that protects patient health information.

Licensure Examination

A standardized test that determines qualifications for nurses to practice, such as the NCLEX-RN.

Nursing Practice Act

A statute that outlines the scope and standards of nursing practice in a state.

Professional Liability Insurance

Insurance that protects nurses against claims of malpractice or negligence.

Delegation Responsibilities

The obligations nurses have when assigning tasks, including ensuring the delegatee is competent to perform the task.

Social Media in Nursing

The use of social media by nurses must adhere to professional standards and patient confidentiality.

Nursing Scope and Standards of Practice

Guidelines defining the duties and responsibilities of nurses in their professional roles.

Patient Self-Determination Act (PSDA)

A law that ensures patients are informed of their rights to make decisions regarding their medical care.

Evolving Legal Issues for Nurses

Current legal challenges faced by nurses due to changes in healthcare practices and regulations.

Disciplinary Actions by SBNs

Actions taken by State Boards of Nursing against licensed individuals who violate legal parameters of nursing practice.