Ethical Issues Affecting Nurse Practitioners Assignment Paper

, ,

Ethical Issues Affecting Nurse Practitioners Assignment Paper

In the complex and ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, nurse practitioners play a vital role as frontline healthcare providers, delivering essential medical services to patients across various settings. To ensure the highest standard of care, nurse practitioners must navigate a multifaceted framework encompassing law, ethics, and malpractice within their practice. Understanding the intricate interplay between these elements is crucial not only for safeguarding the well-being of patients but also for safeguarding the professional integrity of nurse practitioners. Law provides the legal boundaries within which healthcare professionals operate, outlining their rights, responsibilities, and potential liabilities. Ethics, on the other hand, delves into the moral principles that guide decision-making, emphasizing the importance of empathy, integrity, and patient autonomy (Olejarczyk & Young, 2022). In parallel, the concept of malpractice looms as a constant concern, reminding nurse practitioners of the potential consequences of deviations from established standards of care. Thus, a comprehensive grasp of law, ethics, and malpractice in healthcare is indispensable for nurse practitioners, serving as the cornerstone upon which their practice is built and patient trust is established. Ethical Issues Affecting Nurse Practitioners Assignment Paper

ORDER  HERE A PLAGIARISM-FREE PAPER HERE

Difference between Law and Ethics

Law and ethics are intertwined aspects of society that influence the behavior and decisions of individuals, especially in professional contexts like healthcare. According to Waldron (2018), law refers to a system of rules and regulations established by a governing authority, typically a government, to maintain order, ensure justice, and protect citizens’ rights. These rules are binding and enforceable, and individuals who violate them may face legal consequences. In healthcare, laws dictate the scope of practice, licensing requirements, and standards of care that healthcare professionals, including nurse practitioners, must adhere to.

Ethics, on the other hand, deals with moral principles, values, and beliefs that guide human behavior (Olejarczyk & Young, 2022). Ethical standards are not necessarily enforceable by law but are essential for promoting integrity, honesty, and empathy in professional practice. Ethical guidelines often arise from societal norms, professional organizations, and philosophical perspectives. In healthcare, ethical principles guide healthcare professionals in making morally sound decisions, respecting patient autonomy, and providing compassionate care.

Legal Issues Affecting Nurse Practitioners

One prominent legal issue that could potentially affect nurse practitioners is related to prescribing medications. The laws governing prescription practices are stringent and vary from state to state (Zhang & Patel, 2022). Nurse practitioners often have prescriptive authority, but state laws and collaborative agreements with physicians regulate the scope of their prescribing abilities. Prescribing errors, such as incorrect dosage or medication interactions, can lead to serious patient harm and legal consequences for the nurse practitioner involved. Ethical Issues Affecting Nurse Practitioners Assignment Paper

If I were a nurse practitioner facing a prescribing-related legal issue, the first step would be to consult with a legal expert specializing in healthcare law. It is crucial to understand the specific laws and regulations applicable to my state and practice setting. Simultaneously, I would cooperate fully with any investigations or legal proceedings, providing accurate and honest information to the relevant authorities. Additionally, I would self-reflect on the incident, identifying the factors that led to the issue and taking steps to prevent similar occurrences in the future. This might involve additional training, seeking mentorship from experienced colleagues, or revisiting my prescribing practices to ensure compliance with the law and adherence to ethical standards. I would also be proactive in maintaining open communication with the affected patient, addressing their concerns, and offering support during the resolution process. Transparency and empathy can go a long way in mitigating the impact of the situation on the patient and preserving the nurse-practitioner-patient relationship.

Ethical Issues Affecting Nurse Practitioners

One significant ethical issue that could potentially affect a nurse practitioner is the dilemma of patient confidentiality and privacy. Nurse practitioners, like all healthcare professionals, are privy to sensitive medical information about their patients (Tegegne et al., 2022). Ethical principles demand that healthcare providers maintain strict confidentiality, respecting the privacy rights of patients and not disclosing their medical information without proper consent. However, situations may arise where the nurse practitioner faces ethical challenges in upholding patient confidentiality, such as when a patient’s health condition or behavior raises concerns about harm to themselves or others or when dealing with minors who might be engaged in risky behaviors without parental knowledge. Ethical Issues Affecting Nurse Practitioners Assignment Paper

If I were a nurse practitioner confronted with an ethical dilemma related to patient confidentiality, I would approach the situation with great care, guided by both ethical principles and relevant legal considerations. I would first familiarize myself with the specific laws and regulations governing patient confidentiality in my jurisdiction. Understanding the legal framework is essential as it provides the boundaries within which I must operate (Haddad & Geiger, 2023). I would also consult with colleagues, supervisors, and, if necessary, the hospital or clinic’s ethics committee to discuss the situation and seek guidance on the best course of action. Ethical dilemmas can often benefit from a collaborative and diverse perspective.

Ethical principles require that I prioritize the welfare of the patient. If a patient’s condition poses a risk to themselves or others, I would explore all available options to ensure their safety while respecting their autonomy to the greatest extent possible. In cases where disclosing patient information might be necessary, I would strive to obtain informed consent from the patient whenever feasible. This involves explaining the potential risks and benefits of disclosure and ensuring the patient’s understanding and agreement. If, after careful consideration, it is determined that disclosure is necessary to prevent harm, I would disclose only the minimum necessary information to the appropriate parties and ensure that the information is shared securely. It is also crucial to thoroughly document the decision-making process, including the reasons for any breach of confidentiality and the steps taken to minimize harm. This documentation serves as protection in case the decision is ever questioned or challenged. After the resolution of the ethical issue, I would engage in ongoing self-reflection and education to continually improve my ability to navigate such situations while upholding ethical standards. Ethical Issues Affecting Nurse Practitioners Assignment Paper

ORDER HERE NOW

Malpractice

Question Answer
Do I need malpractice insurance if my employer covers me under the hospital, university, or practice policy?  Explain why or why not. Nurse practitioners (NPs) should carry their malpractice insurance, even if their employer provides coverage. While many employers offer malpractice insurance as part of their employment package, this coverage may have limitations or restrictions (Heuer et al., 2019). Having individual malpractice insurance ensures that NPs have personal protection in the event of a malpractice claim. It provides a separate layer of coverage, which can be beneficial if a claim exceeds the limits of the employer’s policy or if there is a conflict of interest between the NP and the employer in the event of a lawsuit. It also guarantees that the NP has control over their legal representation and decisions during a malpractice claim.
What is “Claims Made” insurance? “Claims Made” insurance is a type of malpractice insurance policy that provides coverage for claims made during the policy period (Sousa, 2023). In this policy, the claim must be filed and reported to the insurance company while the policy is in force. Even if the alleged incident occurred during the policy period, if the claim is made after the policy expires, it would not be covered. NPs who choose this type of insurance may need to consider purchasing tail coverage (also known as extended reporting endorsement) when they change employers or retire to ensure ongoing coverage for claims related to services provided while the policy was in effect. Ethical Issues Affecting Nurse Practitioners Assignment Paper
What is “Occurrence” insurance? “Occurrence” insurance is another type of malpractice insurance policy. It provides coverage for claims based on when the alleged incident occurred (the date of occurrence). Regardless of when the claim is made or reported, it will be covered as long as the incident happened during the policy period (Nursing Services Organization, 2022). There is typically no need for tail coverage with an “occurrence” policy when NPs change employers or retire, as coverage for incidents that occurred during the policy period remains intact.
What is a “Tail” policy? A “Tail” policy, also known as an extended reporting endorsement (ERE), is an insurance policy that provides coverage for claims made after a claims-made policy has expired (Nursing Services Organization, 2022). It is typically purchased when a nurse practitioner switches employers, retires, or otherwise terminates their claims-made policy. The “Tail” policy ensures that the NP continues to have coverage for any claims related to services provided while the original claims-made policy was in effect. It is a crucial component to maintain ongoing protection when transitioning from one job to another or when leaving the practice.
List 3 providers of malpractice insurance for NPs, the type of insurance, and the cost of each. Ethical Issues Affecting Nurse Practitioners Assignment Paper Three providers of malpractice insurance for Nurse Practitioners (NPs), along with the type of insurance they offer and an approximate cost, are as follows:

a)      The Doctors Company: Offers Claims Made insurance. The cost can vary depending on the specific coverage needs, but it typically ranges from $1,000 to $3,000 per year for NPs (The Doctors’ Company, 2022).

b)      Nurses Service Organization (NSO): Provides Occurrence-based insurance. The cost for NP coverage with NSO can be around $100 to $300 annually, depending on the specific coverage options and the state of practice.

c)      Medical Protective: Offers Claims Made insurance for NPs. The cost can vary based on factors like location and coverage limits but typically ranges from $1,000 to $2,500 per year.

 

Conclusion

The intricate interplay of law, ethics, and malpractice forms the foundation of responsible and ethical practice for nurse practitioners. Understanding the legal boundaries, ethical principles, and potential pitfalls of malpractice is essential to providing quality patient care while safeguarding professional integrity. Nurse practitioners must navigate this complex landscape with diligence and a commitment to upholding patient rights, safety, and ethical standards. By doing so, they not only protect their patients but also ensure their own legal and ethical standing, fostering trust and confidence in their practice within the healthcare community. It is a delicate balance that requires constant vigilance and a commitment to the highest standards of care and ethical conduct. Ethical Issues Affecting Nurse Practitioners Assignment Paper