Module 6 Legal Dimensions in Nursing

Legal Accountability

The responsibility of nurses to adhere to legal standards and regulations in their practice.

Intentional Torts

Deliberate actions that cause harm to another person, such as assault or defamation of character.

Unintentional Torts

Actions that are not intended to cause harm but result in injury due to negligence.

Negligence

A failure to take proper care in doing something, which results in harm or injury to another person.

Malpractice

Negligence by a professional person, such as a nurse, that leads to patient harm.

HIPAA

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act; federal law protecting patient privacy and confidential information.

False Imprisonment

Unjustified retention or prevention of the movement of another person without proper consent.

Fraud

Willful and purposeful misrepresentation that results in harm or loss to another person.

Defamation of Character

An intentional tort involving making derogatory remarks that harm another person's reputation.

Invasion of Privacy

The right of individuals to keep their personal information surrounded by confidentiality and privacy.

Causation

The relationship between a breach of duty and the resulting injury; proving the breach caused the harm.

Legal Safeguards for the Nurse

Practices that nurses should follow to protect themselves legally, such as maintaining competence and keeping thorough documentation.

Duty

The obligation of a nurse to provide care that meets the established standard.

Liability

The legal responsibility involved in proving that negligence or malpractice has occurred.

Damages

The actual harm or injury experienced by a patient as a result of malpractice or negligence.

Incident Report

A document that outlines the details of an incident or accident in a clinical setting for the purpose of improving safety and quality.

What is the nursing practice hierarchy?

The structured levels of nursing practice that indicates the degrees of responsibility and authority, often depicted as a pyramid.

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

A nurse who has completed a one-year training program and provides basic care under the supervision of registered nurses.

Registered Nurse (RN)

A nurse who has completed a degree in nursing and passed the NCLEX-RN exam, responsible for assessing patient needs and planning care.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

A four-year undergraduate degree in nursing that prepares nurses for a broader scope of practice.

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

A graduate degree that allows nurses to specialize in areas such as nurse practitioner, nurse educator, or nurse administrator.

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

The highest level of nursing practice degree focusing on clinical practice and leadership roles in healthcare settings.

Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)

An advanced practice nurse who specializes in a specific area of clinical practice, providing expert advice and support.

Nurse Practitioner (NP)

An advanced practice registered nurse who can assess, diagnose, and treat patients, including prescribing medications.

Nursing Administration

A leadership role that involves managing nursing staff and healthcare services, often requiring advanced training and education.

Regulatory bodies in nursing

Organizations, such as state boards of nursing, that establish and enforce standards for nursing practice and licensure.

Federal Practice Hierarchy

Integrates Medicaid and Medicare provisions related to reimbursement for nursing services

State Practice Hierarchy

Integrates the scope of practice (LVN, RN, APRN) and educational requirements

BRN practice hierarchy

Integrates delegation, med admin, licensing, unprofessional conduct

Institutions practice hierarchy

Integrates policies and procedures