Legislation_in_Nursing_Detailed_Notes.pptx

law and regulation in nursing

1. Legislation in Nursing Prepared by: Basudev Choudhury College: SUM Nursing College, SOA Deemed to be University

2. Introduction Legislation in nursing refers to the system of laws, acts, and regulations that govern nursing education, practice, and professional conduct. These laws ensure safe, ethical, and competent care to patients while protecting the rights of both nurses and clients.

3. Need for Legislation in Nursing Nurses work in close contact with vulnerable individuals. Hence, clear legal boundaries are necessary to ensure safe, professional, and standardized care. Nursing legislation guides actions, protects from malpractice, and ensures accountability.

4. Purpose of Nursing Laws Define nursing practice and responsibilities. Safeguard patient rights. Protect nurses from legal consequences when acting within their scope. Maintain professional discipline and ethics.

5. Purpose of Nursing Laws Establish educational and practice standards. Promote quality of care. Ensure public trust in the nursing profession. Regulate licensing and registration.

6. Importance of Laws in Nursing Nursing laws bridge the gap between ethics and practice. They help nurses make legally sound decisions in clinical situations, prevent negligence, and promote professionalism.

7. Legal Terms in Nursing Law: A system of rules to maintain order. Negligence: Failure to provide reasonable care. Malpractice: Professional negligence causing harm. Tort: A civil wrong resulting in injury.

8. Legal Terms in Nursing Assault: Threat of physical harm. Battery: Actual physical contact without consent. Informed Consent: Patient’s permission after understanding the procedure. Confidentiality: Keeping patient information private.

9. Legal Terms in Nursing Libel: Written defamation. Slander: Spoken defamation. Vicarious Liability: Employer’s responsibility for employee’s actions. Autonomy: Right of individuals to make their own decisions.

10. Legal Terms in Nursing Accountability: Responsibility for one’s actions. Competence: Having the necessary skill and knowledge. Advocacy: Acting in the best interest of the patient.

11. Common Legal Hazards in Nursing Medication errors. Improper documentation. Failure to obtain informed consent. Breach of confidentiality . Patient neglect or abandonment. Performing procedures beyond the nurse’s scope. Physical or verbal abuse. Defamation or false reporting . Failure to communicate properly with physicians or patients. Not maintaining proper infection control practices.

12. Laws and Regulations in India - Overview Nursing practice in India is governed by various national and state-level laws to ensure quality and accountability in healthcare delivery.

13. National Level Laws Indian Nursing Council (INC) Act, 1947 – Regulates nursing education and registration. Consumer Protection Act, 2019 – Protects patient rights. Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 – Controls drug quality and usage.

14. National Level Laws Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 – Ensures rights of mentally ill patients. Biomedical Waste Management Rules, 2016 – Ensures safe disposal of medical waste. PNDT Act, 1994 – Prohibits prenatal sex determination.

15. National Level Laws Human Organ Transplantation Act, 1994 – Regulates organ donation and transplantation. Right to Information Act, 2005 – Promotes transparency in healthcare institutions.

16. State Level Regulations Each state has its own Nursing Council that enforces national laws and supervises registration, training, and disciplinary measures.

17. Service and Institutional Rules Service rules define nurse duties, working hours, leaves, promotions, and disciplinary actions. They ensure a safe, fair, and ethical work environment . Institutional rules maintain standards for infection control, documentation, and patient confidentiality. They protect both patients and healthcare staff.

18. Regulation of Nursing Education The Indian Nursing Council (INC) sets national standards for nursing education, including curriculum design, faculty qualifications, and inspection of institutions . State Nursing Councils implement INC regulations, conduct exams, and register nurses. This maintains uniformity and quality across India . The INC ensures that all institutions maintain minimum infrastructure, qualified faculty, and appropriate clinical exposure for students.

19. Registration and Reciprocity Registration gives nurses the legal right to practice. It is mandatory under the State Nursing Council. The nurse’s name is entered into the official register after completing recognized training . Reciprocity allows a nurse registered in one state to practice in another after due approval. This promotes flexibility and national mobility of the workforce.

20. Ethical and Legal Responsibilities Nurses must combine ethical values with legal obligations. They should always maintain confidentiality, obtain informed consent, report incidents, and ensure patient safety.

21. Role of Nurse in Legal Safeguards - 1 Maintain accurate records. Obtain consent for all procedures. Follow institutional policies. Avoid negligence. Report incidents promptly . Maintain professional competence. Practice within legal limits. Participate in continuing education. Respect patient autonomy and dignity.

22. Conclusion Legislation provides a foundation for nursing as a regulated profession. It defines rights, duties, and ethical standards ensuring public safety and professional accountability . A nurse aware of laws and regulations can deliver safe, ethical, and legally sound care. Knowledge of legislation is essential for professional growth and patient trust.