Key Nursing Ethics, Laws, and Patient Rights Concepts

autonomy

independence

Beneficence

Doing good or causing good to be done; kindly action

Nonmaleficence

do no harm

Justice

fairness

fidelity

faithfulness; loyalty

veracity

truthfulness, honesty

State board of nursing

Appointed board within each state charged with responsibility to administer the nurse practice act of that state.

nursing practice act

The law defines how nurses can practice safely and legally

evidence based practice

A nurse who uses science and experience plus patient needs to give the best care

American Nurses Association (ANA)

The main organization that supports nurses insects professional standards

ethics committee

A team that helps nurses and doctors make fear and ethical decisions through situations

Informed consent

The patient fully understands and agrees before the Care is given

right to refuse

Patients can say no to treatment and nurses must respect that choice

Advanced directives

A patient's written instructions for their medical care if they can't speak for themselves

HIPAA

The law that keeps patient health information, private and protected

Torts

wrongful acts for which an injured party has the right to sue