Ethical and Legal Issues
Ethical and Legal Issues
Ethical and Legal Issues
● Definitions
○ Ethics: what one ought to do
○ Bioethics: when the moral choice involves health care
○ Dilemma: a situation where there are several unequally satisfying
solutions, or when there is a conflict between one’s values
NOTE:
What is legal is not always ethical: e.g. assigning a power of attorney. Use who can take
decision of your behalf. If you are married without POA, spouse is even when divorce.
At time, family decision comes in first. NOTE, Organ donor indicated on driver’s license
can be a legal though, family need to be educated. Talk with family and ensure POA
status are transferred when situations change. All patients are legally full code until
otherwise. The board might be involved if family is not available and pt. cannot decide
for self.
● Ethics =what we should do.
● Legal = what we must do
● Bioethics=
● Dilemma=
ANA’s Code of Ethics: Nine Provisions
● First Provision:
○ The nurse practices with compassion and respect for the inherent dignity,
worth, and personal attributes of every person, without prejudice.
NOTE:
The state board of nursing of each state manage the ….
● Study there are 9 of them