Nursing Jurisprudence
This document was uploaded by user and they confirmed that they have the permission to share it. If you are author or own the copyright of this book, please report to us by using this DMCA report form. Report DMCA
Overview
Download & View Nursing Jurisprudence as PDF for free.
More details
- Words: 3,379
- Pages: 130
NURSING JURISPRUDENCE
BY: ATTY DEIRDREE CODAMON- GALLMAN, RN
NURSING JURISPRUDENCE
department of law which comprise all legal rules and principles affecting the practice of nursing.
NURSING LEGISLATION
the making of laws, or the body of laws already affecting the practice of nursing.
LAW
a rule of civil conduct prescribed by the supreme power in a state commanding what is right and prohibiting what is wrong.
LEGAL RIGHT
a claim which can be enforced by legal means against a person whose duty is to respect it.
COURT MECHANISM: LAWSUIT-
proceeding in court for a purpose. Purpose: 1. to enforce a right 2. to redress a wrong
done something seriously wrong to you, the correct action to do get redress for the injury received is to:
A. systematically plan on how to have a vindication for the damage done B. file a lawsuit against the person for damage C. hire someone to take revenge for you
Parties to cases:
Civil case- Complainant/ defendant Criminal case- Plaintiff/ accused
Q: The person who institutes legal proceeding is called:
A. Plaintiff B. respondent C. defendant D. Accused
Q:A hospital filed a case of damages against nurse for breach of contract. Who is the nurse in the case?
A. complainant B. accused C. defendant D. plaintiff
STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS - the length of time following the event during which the plaintiff may file a suit. Example: negligence- filed within 2-3 years from occurrence.
DUE PROCESS
is a fair and orderly process which aims to protect and enforce a person’s right.
FUNDAMENTAL REQUIREMENTS OF DUE PROCESS:
1. Right to be informed
2. Right to remain silent
3. Right to a competent counsel
4. No use of violence, threat, torture
PRE-TRIAL- eliminate matters not in dispute, agree on issues or settle procedural matters.
TRIAL- facts are presented and determined; law applied at the end.
SUMMONS- is a writ commanding an authorized person to notify a party to appear in court to answer a complaint made against him. WARRANT- presented by an arresting officer
SUBPOENA- is an order that requires a person to attend at a specific time and place to testify as a witness. SUBPOENA DUCES TECUM- is a subpoena that requires a witness to bring documents/ papers in his possession.
A process whereby the BON only compel the personal attendance of a witness to bring with him to the court books, papers and the like to elucidate the matters in issue:
b. c. d. e.
Warrant Subpoena Subpoena duces tecum Summons
WITNESS- person giving necessary details
Nurses as witness: Could not divulge PRIVILEGED COMMUNICATION in a civil casemeans that the nurse is incompetent to testify on the communications made to him by the patients, all the device given and all the information gathered by observation during the seal of secrecy. Exceptions:1. criminal case 2. with the patient’s consent 3. patient sued doctor for damages
Q:For privileged communication in the doctor, the nurse and the patient, the seal of secrecy:
a. forever remains until removed by patient b. may be broken upon death of the patient c. may be disclosed when the patient is insane d. all of the above
Testimonies of Facts- factual information no opinion unless an expert witness PERJURY- is the willful telling of a lie under oath.
HEARSAY EVIDENCE- rumors, not admissible in evidence DYING DECLARATION or ANTE MORTEM STATEMENTSconsidered hearsay unless the dying person is a victim of a crime.
APPEALS- review of the case by appellate court and when decided by it, the final judgment results and matter is ended. EXECUTION OF JUDGMENT
Failure to comply means contempt of court
FELONIES acts or omissions punishable by law. Elements: 1. Deceit-( dolo) 2. Fault-(culpa) due to imprudence, negligence or lack of foresight/ skill
Q: A crime can be committed with the element of culpa if:
A. the person committed the crime because of ignorance of the law B. the person knows the action is a crime and he chooses to do it C. the person committed the crime because he lacked the competency to act correctly
Stages of felonies 1. Consummated
all elements executed, with successful result
2. Frustrated
all elements executed but no successful result not all elements executed, no successful result
3. Attempted
Degree of Felonies degree penalty fine grave Less grave
Capital above P6k punishment or >6yrs & 1 day 1 month and not > P 6 K 1 day to 6 but not years
Light felony 1 day to 30 days
fine not > P 200
Q: If the penalty is the death penalty, what is the degree of the felony?
A. grave B. less grave C. light felony
Q: If the fine is exactly P200., what is the degree?
A. grave B. less grave C. light felony
CLASSIFICATION OF PERSONS CRIMINALLY LIABLE: 1. PRINCIPAL a. By direct participationdoer of the act
b. By inducement-directly force or induce others c. By cooperation- indispensable
2. ACCOMPLICE -a person who cooperates “ accessory before the fact”absent at the time crime is committed.
3. ACCESSORY “ accessory after the fact” a. Profits b. Conceals/ destroys evidence c. Assists in the escape of the principal
Situation: Danaya is two-months pregnant. Her parents do not know this. Danaya informed her friend Alena about the problem. Alena referred Danaya to Pirena , an abortionist. Danaya had an abortion.
If those involved will be charged legally, who is considered as the principal? a. Danaya b.Alena c. Pirena d. None of them
Who is considered as an accomplice? a. Danaya b.Alena c. Pirena d. None of them
If during the investigation, the pieces of evidence were not found because Gurna the maid of Pirena burned it. Gurna is consider as: a. accomplice b. accessory c. principal d. coprincipal
A nurse is liable as an accomplice in an abortion if she: a. Assist in the escape of the offender b. Refers the pregnant mother to the abortionist c. Conceals the evidence of the crime d. None of these
Circumstanc es affecting criminal liability J-E-M-A-A
JUSTIFYING
SELF-DEFENSE Unlawful aggression Reasonable necessity Lack of sufficient provocation Fulfillment of Duty Obedience to an order from superior Order must be lawful Superior acting within the scope of practice
EXEMPTING
Insane/imbecile Performance of a lawful act
causes injury by mere accident
Under 9 y/o Under compulsion of uncontrollable force
Under impulse of uncontrollable fear
Failure to perform an act required by law when prevented by some
MITIGATING
Under 18y/o or over 70 y/o No intention to commit so grave a wrong Sufficient provocation/threat preceding the act Immediate vindication of a grave offense Voluntary surrender Deaf & dumb/ with physical defect Suffer from such illness that diminishes willpower
AGGRAVATING Treachery/taking advantage of superior strength or position Price, reward, promise Use of fire, poison, explosion Calamities Craft, fraud or disguise employed
ALTERNATIVE
May increase/ decrease criminal liability depending on the nature and effects of the crime
Relationship Intoxication Degree of instruction/ education
DRILLS 1. Under compulsion of uncontrollable force 2. There is sufficient provocation 3. Act is committed with abuse of confidence 4. Fulfillment of a duty 5. Offender is over 70 years old
6. Voluntary surrender 7. Disguise be employed 8. Defense of a stranger 9. Acts under the impulse of an uncontrollable fear 10. Offender is insane
Q: Premeditating to commit a crime is considered as:
A. justifying B. mitigating C. aggravating D. exempting
Q: When the defendant kills someone accidentally:
A. justifying B. exempting C. aggravating D. mitigating
CRIMES CONCERNING THE NURSE
-the victim or offender is the 1. father 2. mother 3. brothers/sisters 4. ascendants 5. descendants 6. spouse
The killing of another human being
-The killing of another human being with any of the aggravating circumstances provided by law.
treachery
- the killing of an infant less than three days or 72 hours.
ACTS OF LASCIVIOUSNESS
MALICIOUS MISCHIEF
PHYSICAL INJURIES 1.
Serious Physical Injuries
2. Less Serious Physical Injuries 3. Slight Physical Injuries
ANTI- RAPE LAW (RA 8353)
I.
A. MARITAL RAPE B. STATUTORY RAPE
II. Anyone who inserts his penis into the oral orifice of another by force is liable under this law.
III. Anyone who inserts anything into the anal orifice or genitalia of another is liable under this law.
ROBBERY -
Anyone who gets the personal property of another with the use of force,violence or intimidation.
THEFT -anyone who gets the personal property of another without the latter’s permission.
ASSAULT -
imminent threat of harmful/ offensive body contact
BATTERY -
intentional, unconsented touching of another person.
ILLEGAL DETENTION/ FALSE IMPRISONMENT Deprive another of his freedom of movement or space. -
Patient restraint
SIMULATION OF BIRTH
1. Pretend that a woman gave birth
2. Substitution or exchanging of babies in the nursery
3. intentionally putting wrong information in the birth registration form
DEFAMATION 1. Slander- oral
2. Libelwritten
Q: The nurse writes the following note in the client’s chart “ The physician is incompetent because he ordered the wrong drug dosage”.This statement may lead to a charge of: a. Assault b. slander c. libel d. Invasion of privacy
INVASION OF PRIVACY THE RIGHT TO BE LEFT ALONE, FREE FROM UNWARRANTED PUBLICITY, RIGHT TO LIVE ONE’S LIFE * Nurses liable if they divulge any information from patient’s chart to improper or unauthorized persons.
MISDEMEANOR
An act less than a felony.
Q: A person uses the license of another person to practice nursing. Liable for What?
A. negligence B. malpractice C. misdemeanor D. invasion of privacy
DRILLS 1. A student nurse is overheard talking in the cafeteria about a client and his suicidal tendencies. 2. A nurse asks a client why he chose Dr. Smith for her physician when this doctor is always rude to the staff.
3. A client is told he must pay the remainder of his medical bill before he can leave the facility. 4. A nurse told the client that she will inject her with sedatives if he does not cooperate. 5. A nurse forcibly opened the mouth of a pedia patient and gave his medication.
6. A nurse takes the wallet of the patient while the latter is sleeping. 7. A nurse takes the wallet of the patient with the use of violence and intimidation.
8. A nurse gives a potent injection of morphine to a patient causing his death. 9. A nurse poisons his client to end his life. 10. A patient died because of wrong medication given.
GUIDELINES TO PREVENT CRIMINAL LIABILITY: 1. Be very familiar with the Philippine Nursing law 2. Be familiar with the laws affecting nursing practice 3. Know agency rules, regulations, policies 4. Upgrade skills and competence
Q:To upgrade your skills, you must:
A. enrol in the graduate school B. be a member of the PNA C. attend seminars and trainings D. renew license
5. 6. 7. 8.
Develop good IPR with co-workers Consult superior as needed Verify vague/ erroneous orders Always keep doctor updated regarding patient 9. Ensure accurate recording and reporting 10. Get informed consent 11. Do not delegate responsibilities to others
LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS IN CHARTING: 1. Don’t tamper with medical records(ARD)adding, rewriting and destroying original record 2. Observe agency’s standards on documentation complete, concise, specific, use standard abbreviation
TELEPHONE ORDERS
TIPS FOR AVOIDING LEGAL PITFALLS: 1. Patient Falls do proper assessment appropriate assistance use protective measures document all nursing interventions
2. Medication errors
observe 7 R’s of drug administration Check dr’s order Understand the medication you will administer Consult drug handbook/ pharmacy Not exempt from liability for following dr’s order
b. c. d. e.
A co-nurse confided that she has given a medication to the wrong patient. What will you do? advise her to report the incident to the head nurse advise her to keep quiet about what happened accompany her to the head nurse to report the incident report her immediately to the head nurse
3. Equipment injuries refuse to use a device not know how to operate report adverse events to superiors monitor patient regularly bring questionable
Failure to communicate
promptly report changes in the patient’s symptoms and signs of distress to the Dr
proper documentatio n of all assessments and telephone conversations with the Dr
NURSES AND CONTRACTS
CONTRACT- agreement between at least two parties which create an obligation recognized by law.
Elements of a valid contract: 1. given freely/ voluntarily- no coercion/ pressure 2. competent parties- 18 yrs old, sound mind 3. lawful object- within the bounds of law 4. valid consideration- has monetary value
Essential requisites: 1. Consent 2. Object certain 3. Cause of the obligation
Types of Contract: 1. Implied- terms are inferred from actions of contracting parties. 2. Expressed- verbal/ written, terms are specified/ given at the time the contract is made.
3. Void or inexistent- inexistent from the very beginning therefore may not be enforced. Ex: contrary to law. 4. Illegal - expressly prohibited by law like obtained through fraud, undue influence or duress. 5. Voidable/annullable- one of the parties is incapable of giving consent
5. Formal- agreement among parties and is required to be in writing by special laws. Ex: marriage, Deed of sale 6. Informal- concluded as a result of a written document where the law does not require the same to be in writing.
Q: A person entered the clinic of a doctor for treatment.What type of contract?
A. formal B. implied C. informal D. expressed
Q: A nurse and a pregnant woman agreed that the nurse will do home delivery for a fee. What type of contract?
A. informal B. implied C. expressed D. formal
BREACH OF CONTRACTfailure without legal excuse to perform any promise which forms the contract.
The following constitute breach of contract for nursing service: 1. 2.
3. 4.
Prevention of performance Failure of performance because of inconvenience or difficulty Abandonment of duty Substitution of performance
Legal excuses in refusing or failure to perform a contract: 1. Discovery of material misrepresentation 2. Where performance will be illegal 3. Impossible by reason of illness 4. Impossible by death of patient or nurse 5. Made for other reasons
Will
an act whereby a person is permitted with formalities of law to control to certain degree the disposition of a state to take effect after his death.
DECEDENT- person whose property is transmitted through succession. TESTATOR- a decedent who left a will HEIR- a person called to succession
TYPES OF SUCCESSION: 1. Testate- a person dies leaving a will. 2. Intestate- a person dies without leaving a will.
:
TWO KINDS
1. Notarial will- acknowledged before a notary public, with attestation clause 2. Holographic will- entirely written, dated and signed in the handwriting of the testator
Who makes wills: 1. those not expressly prohibited by law 2. 18 yrs old 3. sound mind
Who could be witnesses: 1. 2. 3. 4.
sound mind 18 and above not blind, deaf or dumb able to read and write
b. c. d. e.
Bakekang, 59 years old, is suffering from a debilitating disease but of sound mind. She has asked you to help her make a will. How should you respond to the situation? let her dictate and write for her call her intended beneficiaries as witnesses assist patient to consult a legal officer refuse request since it is not your duty
NURSE’S OBLIGATION IN THE EXECUTION OF A WILL: 1. Note the soundness of client’s mind and to ensure that there is freedom from fraud/ undue influence.
2. Note that the will is signed by the testator.
3. Note that the witnesses shall be present at the time and sign in the presence of testator.
GIFTS MORTIS CAUSA
disposing of gifts by a person in anticipation of death/ belief in approaching death.
Limitations: 1. limited to personal properties 2. acceptance by the recipient 3. gifts are revocable and subject to the claims of creditors without proof of intent of defrauding them
BOARD QUESTIONS: 1. The nurse out of pity unhooked the patient from a respirator. The patient died after 15 minutes. This type of felony is: a. consummated b. frustrated c. attempted
2. Circumstances which are said to be in accordance with the law are said to be: a. Justifying b. Exempting c. Mitigating d. Aggravating
3. All of the following are exempting circumstances except: a. Imbecile b. 8 year old c. performance of a lawful act d. offender is deaf and dumb
4. When a politician takes advantage of his power in the performance of unlawful actions, this is considered as: a. justifying circumstance b. exempting circumstance c. mitigating circumstance d. aggravating circumstance
5. When one alters a record to conceal possible evidence of negligence, she can be charged as: a. accomplice b. accessory c. principal d. co-principal
BOARD QUESTIONS: 1. A client in a long term care facility refuses to take his oral medications. The nurse threatens the client and tells him that, if the medication isn’t taken, restraints will be applied. The nurse’s statement constitutes which legal tort? a. assault b. battery c. negligence d. right to refuse treatment
2. The nurse is at risk for lawsuit. Which of the following actions will shield her from possible lawsuits? 1. knowledge and implementation of standards of care 2. documentation of actions accurately and concisely 3. document outcome of care 4. following all doctor’s order a. 1,2,4 b. 2 & 3 c. 1,2,3 d. 2,3,4
3. One of the midwives in the health center injected Cotrimoxazole to a 5 year old patient without the consent of the parents. Which of the following can the midwife be possibly accused of? a. malpractice b. battery c. negligence d. assault
4. If that nurse divulges the information that she is caring for the child of a patient with sexually transmitted disease, she can be liable for: a. libel b. slander c. tort d. invasion of privacy
5. Two janitors were having a heated argument as to who shall dispose the waste of a patient with typhoid fever. The first one called the other “lazybone” and “pain in the neck” within the hearing of the rest of the nurses.The case is: a. libel b. invasion of privacy c. slander d. negligence
6. Should the accusation be written in the newsletter of the hospital, such liability is a: a. assault b. libel c. slander d. battery
7. The nurse observed that in the hospital where she worked, it is a practice to accept medical orders by telephone. In this aspect, she should remember the following: a. T.O should be countersigned by the attending physician at the first opportunity to make it legal order b. T.O are risky and should not be accepted c. The nurse could write on the the doctor’s order sheet the exact date, time and full name of the dr giving the order d. The nurse can sign for the doctor on the order sheet a. 1,4 b. 1,2 c. 3 only d. 1, 3
8. The nurse noticed that restraining patients is a common practice. Which of the following should she remember? a. Restraints are necessary so that the nurse could do more work for patients b. Use of restraints is an effective intervention c. Restraints require a physician’s order d. Refusal to be restrained is a ground for terminating the nurse-patient relationship
9. Patient records are very important in court litigations. Which of the following safeguards should be adopted by the nurse? A. follow standard charting b. photocopy pt’s chart before submitting to the medical records Office c. maintain a logbook of potential legal case all of the above
BY: ATTY DEIRDREE CODAMON- GALLMAN, RN
NURSING JURISPRUDENCE
department of law which comprise all legal rules and principles affecting the practice of nursing.
NURSING LEGISLATION
the making of laws, or the body of laws already affecting the practice of nursing.
LAW
a rule of civil conduct prescribed by the supreme power in a state commanding what is right and prohibiting what is wrong.
LEGAL RIGHT
a claim which can be enforced by legal means against a person whose duty is to respect it.
COURT MECHANISM: LAWSUIT-
proceeding in court for a purpose. Purpose: 1. to enforce a right 2. to redress a wrong
done something seriously wrong to you, the correct action to do get redress for the injury received is to:
A. systematically plan on how to have a vindication for the damage done B. file a lawsuit against the person for damage C. hire someone to take revenge for you
Parties to cases:
Civil case- Complainant/ defendant Criminal case- Plaintiff/ accused
Q: The person who institutes legal proceeding is called:
A. Plaintiff B. respondent C. defendant D. Accused
Q:A hospital filed a case of damages against nurse for breach of contract. Who is the nurse in the case?
A. complainant B. accused C. defendant D. plaintiff
STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS - the length of time following the event during which the plaintiff may file a suit. Example: negligence- filed within 2-3 years from occurrence.
DUE PROCESS
is a fair and orderly process which aims to protect and enforce a person’s right.
FUNDAMENTAL REQUIREMENTS OF DUE PROCESS:
1. Right to be informed
2. Right to remain silent
3. Right to a competent counsel
4. No use of violence, threat, torture
PRE-TRIAL- eliminate matters not in dispute, agree on issues or settle procedural matters.
TRIAL- facts are presented and determined; law applied at the end.
SUMMONS- is a writ commanding an authorized person to notify a party to appear in court to answer a complaint made against him. WARRANT- presented by an arresting officer
SUBPOENA- is an order that requires a person to attend at a specific time and place to testify as a witness. SUBPOENA DUCES TECUM- is a subpoena that requires a witness to bring documents/ papers in his possession.
A process whereby the BON only compel the personal attendance of a witness to bring with him to the court books, papers and the like to elucidate the matters in issue:
b. c. d. e.
Warrant Subpoena Subpoena duces tecum Summons
WITNESS- person giving necessary details
Nurses as witness: Could not divulge PRIVILEGED COMMUNICATION in a civil casemeans that the nurse is incompetent to testify on the communications made to him by the patients, all the device given and all the information gathered by observation during the seal of secrecy. Exceptions:1. criminal case 2. with the patient’s consent 3. patient sued doctor for damages
Q:For privileged communication in the doctor, the nurse and the patient, the seal of secrecy:
a. forever remains until removed by patient b. may be broken upon death of the patient c. may be disclosed when the patient is insane d. all of the above
Testimonies of Facts- factual information no opinion unless an expert witness PERJURY- is the willful telling of a lie under oath.
HEARSAY EVIDENCE- rumors, not admissible in evidence DYING DECLARATION or ANTE MORTEM STATEMENTSconsidered hearsay unless the dying person is a victim of a crime.
APPEALS- review of the case by appellate court and when decided by it, the final judgment results and matter is ended. EXECUTION OF JUDGMENT
Failure to comply means contempt of court
FELONIES acts or omissions punishable by law. Elements: 1. Deceit-( dolo) 2. Fault-(culpa) due to imprudence, negligence or lack of foresight/ skill
Q: A crime can be committed with the element of culpa if:
A. the person committed the crime because of ignorance of the law B. the person knows the action is a crime and he chooses to do it C. the person committed the crime because he lacked the competency to act correctly
Stages of felonies 1. Consummated
all elements executed, with successful result
2. Frustrated
all elements executed but no successful result not all elements executed, no successful result
3. Attempted
Degree of Felonies degree penalty fine grave Less grave
Capital above P6k punishment or >6yrs & 1 day 1 month and not > P 6 K 1 day to 6 but not years
Light felony 1 day to 30 days
fine not > P 200
Q: If the penalty is the death penalty, what is the degree of the felony?
A. grave B. less grave C. light felony
Q: If the fine is exactly P200., what is the degree?
A. grave B. less grave C. light felony
CLASSIFICATION OF PERSONS CRIMINALLY LIABLE: 1. PRINCIPAL a. By direct participationdoer of the act
b. By inducement-directly force or induce others c. By cooperation- indispensable
2. ACCOMPLICE -a person who cooperates “ accessory before the fact”absent at the time crime is committed.
3. ACCESSORY “ accessory after the fact” a. Profits b. Conceals/ destroys evidence c. Assists in the escape of the principal
Situation: Danaya is two-months pregnant. Her parents do not know this. Danaya informed her friend Alena about the problem. Alena referred Danaya to Pirena , an abortionist. Danaya had an abortion.
If those involved will be charged legally, who is considered as the principal? a. Danaya b.Alena c. Pirena d. None of them
Who is considered as an accomplice? a. Danaya b.Alena c. Pirena d. None of them
If during the investigation, the pieces of evidence were not found because Gurna the maid of Pirena burned it. Gurna is consider as: a. accomplice b. accessory c. principal d. coprincipal
A nurse is liable as an accomplice in an abortion if she: a. Assist in the escape of the offender b. Refers the pregnant mother to the abortionist c. Conceals the evidence of the crime d. None of these
Circumstanc es affecting criminal liability J-E-M-A-A
JUSTIFYING
SELF-DEFENSE Unlawful aggression Reasonable necessity Lack of sufficient provocation Fulfillment of Duty Obedience to an order from superior Order must be lawful Superior acting within the scope of practice
EXEMPTING
Insane/imbecile Performance of a lawful act
causes injury by mere accident
Under 9 y/o Under compulsion of uncontrollable force
Under impulse of uncontrollable fear
Failure to perform an act required by law when prevented by some
MITIGATING
Under 18y/o or over 70 y/o No intention to commit so grave a wrong Sufficient provocation/threat preceding the act Immediate vindication of a grave offense Voluntary surrender Deaf & dumb/ with physical defect Suffer from such illness that diminishes willpower
AGGRAVATING Treachery/taking advantage of superior strength or position Price, reward, promise Use of fire, poison, explosion Calamities Craft, fraud or disguise employed
ALTERNATIVE
May increase/ decrease criminal liability depending on the nature and effects of the crime
Relationship Intoxication Degree of instruction/ education
DRILLS 1. Under compulsion of uncontrollable force 2. There is sufficient provocation 3. Act is committed with abuse of confidence 4. Fulfillment of a duty 5. Offender is over 70 years old
6. Voluntary surrender 7. Disguise be employed 8. Defense of a stranger 9. Acts under the impulse of an uncontrollable fear 10. Offender is insane
Q: Premeditating to commit a crime is considered as:
A. justifying B. mitigating C. aggravating D. exempting
Q: When the defendant kills someone accidentally:
A. justifying B. exempting C. aggravating D. mitigating
CRIMES CONCERNING THE NURSE
-the victim or offender is the 1. father 2. mother 3. brothers/sisters 4. ascendants 5. descendants 6. spouse
The killing of another human being
-The killing of another human being with any of the aggravating circumstances provided by law.
treachery
- the killing of an infant less than three days or 72 hours.
ACTS OF LASCIVIOUSNESS
MALICIOUS MISCHIEF
PHYSICAL INJURIES 1.
Serious Physical Injuries
2. Less Serious Physical Injuries 3. Slight Physical Injuries
ANTI- RAPE LAW (RA 8353)
I.
A. MARITAL RAPE B. STATUTORY RAPE
II. Anyone who inserts his penis into the oral orifice of another by force is liable under this law.
III. Anyone who inserts anything into the anal orifice or genitalia of another is liable under this law.
ROBBERY -
Anyone who gets the personal property of another with the use of force,violence or intimidation.
THEFT -anyone who gets the personal property of another without the latter’s permission.
ASSAULT -
imminent threat of harmful/ offensive body contact
BATTERY -
intentional, unconsented touching of another person.
ILLEGAL DETENTION/ FALSE IMPRISONMENT Deprive another of his freedom of movement or space. -
Patient restraint
SIMULATION OF BIRTH
1. Pretend that a woman gave birth
2. Substitution or exchanging of babies in the nursery
3. intentionally putting wrong information in the birth registration form
DEFAMATION 1. Slander- oral
2. Libelwritten
Q: The nurse writes the following note in the client’s chart “ The physician is incompetent because he ordered the wrong drug dosage”.This statement may lead to a charge of: a. Assault b. slander c. libel d. Invasion of privacy
INVASION OF PRIVACY THE RIGHT TO BE LEFT ALONE, FREE FROM UNWARRANTED PUBLICITY, RIGHT TO LIVE ONE’S LIFE * Nurses liable if they divulge any information from patient’s chart to improper or unauthorized persons.
MISDEMEANOR
An act less than a felony.
Q: A person uses the license of another person to practice nursing. Liable for What?
A. negligence B. malpractice C. misdemeanor D. invasion of privacy
DRILLS 1. A student nurse is overheard talking in the cafeteria about a client and his suicidal tendencies. 2. A nurse asks a client why he chose Dr. Smith for her physician when this doctor is always rude to the staff.
3. A client is told he must pay the remainder of his medical bill before he can leave the facility. 4. A nurse told the client that she will inject her with sedatives if he does not cooperate. 5. A nurse forcibly opened the mouth of a pedia patient and gave his medication.
6. A nurse takes the wallet of the patient while the latter is sleeping. 7. A nurse takes the wallet of the patient with the use of violence and intimidation.
8. A nurse gives a potent injection of morphine to a patient causing his death. 9. A nurse poisons his client to end his life. 10. A patient died because of wrong medication given.
GUIDELINES TO PREVENT CRIMINAL LIABILITY: 1. Be very familiar with the Philippine Nursing law 2. Be familiar with the laws affecting nursing practice 3. Know agency rules, regulations, policies 4. Upgrade skills and competence
Q:To upgrade your skills, you must:
A. enrol in the graduate school B. be a member of the PNA C. attend seminars and trainings D. renew license
5. 6. 7. 8.
Develop good IPR with co-workers Consult superior as needed Verify vague/ erroneous orders Always keep doctor updated regarding patient 9. Ensure accurate recording and reporting 10. Get informed consent 11. Do not delegate responsibilities to others
LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS IN CHARTING: 1. Don’t tamper with medical records(ARD)adding, rewriting and destroying original record 2. Observe agency’s standards on documentation complete, concise, specific, use standard abbreviation
TELEPHONE ORDERS
TIPS FOR AVOIDING LEGAL PITFALLS: 1. Patient Falls do proper assessment appropriate assistance use protective measures document all nursing interventions
2. Medication errors
observe 7 R’s of drug administration Check dr’s order Understand the medication you will administer Consult drug handbook/ pharmacy Not exempt from liability for following dr’s order
b. c. d. e.
A co-nurse confided that she has given a medication to the wrong patient. What will you do? advise her to report the incident to the head nurse advise her to keep quiet about what happened accompany her to the head nurse to report the incident report her immediately to the head nurse
3. Equipment injuries refuse to use a device not know how to operate report adverse events to superiors monitor patient regularly bring questionable
Failure to communicate
promptly report changes in the patient’s symptoms and signs of distress to the Dr
proper documentatio n of all assessments and telephone conversations with the Dr
NURSES AND CONTRACTS
CONTRACT- agreement between at least two parties which create an obligation recognized by law.
Elements of a valid contract: 1. given freely/ voluntarily- no coercion/ pressure 2. competent parties- 18 yrs old, sound mind 3. lawful object- within the bounds of law 4. valid consideration- has monetary value
Essential requisites: 1. Consent 2. Object certain 3. Cause of the obligation
Types of Contract: 1. Implied- terms are inferred from actions of contracting parties. 2. Expressed- verbal/ written, terms are specified/ given at the time the contract is made.
3. Void or inexistent- inexistent from the very beginning therefore may not be enforced. Ex: contrary to law. 4. Illegal - expressly prohibited by law like obtained through fraud, undue influence or duress. 5. Voidable/annullable- one of the parties is incapable of giving consent
5. Formal- agreement among parties and is required to be in writing by special laws. Ex: marriage, Deed of sale 6. Informal- concluded as a result of a written document where the law does not require the same to be in writing.
Q: A person entered the clinic of a doctor for treatment.What type of contract?
A. formal B. implied C. informal D. expressed
Q: A nurse and a pregnant woman agreed that the nurse will do home delivery for a fee. What type of contract?
A. informal B. implied C. expressed D. formal
BREACH OF CONTRACTfailure without legal excuse to perform any promise which forms the contract.
The following constitute breach of contract for nursing service: 1. 2.
3. 4.
Prevention of performance Failure of performance because of inconvenience or difficulty Abandonment of duty Substitution of performance
Legal excuses in refusing or failure to perform a contract: 1. Discovery of material misrepresentation 2. Where performance will be illegal 3. Impossible by reason of illness 4. Impossible by death of patient or nurse 5. Made for other reasons
Will
an act whereby a person is permitted with formalities of law to control to certain degree the disposition of a state to take effect after his death.
DECEDENT- person whose property is transmitted through succession. TESTATOR- a decedent who left a will HEIR- a person called to succession
TYPES OF SUCCESSION: 1. Testate- a person dies leaving a will. 2. Intestate- a person dies without leaving a will.
:
TWO KINDS
1. Notarial will- acknowledged before a notary public, with attestation clause 2. Holographic will- entirely written, dated and signed in the handwriting of the testator
Who makes wills: 1. those not expressly prohibited by law 2. 18 yrs old 3. sound mind
Who could be witnesses: 1. 2. 3. 4.
sound mind 18 and above not blind, deaf or dumb able to read and write
b. c. d. e.
Bakekang, 59 years old, is suffering from a debilitating disease but of sound mind. She has asked you to help her make a will. How should you respond to the situation? let her dictate and write for her call her intended beneficiaries as witnesses assist patient to consult a legal officer refuse request since it is not your duty
NURSE’S OBLIGATION IN THE EXECUTION OF A WILL: 1. Note the soundness of client’s mind and to ensure that there is freedom from fraud/ undue influence.
2. Note that the will is signed by the testator.
3. Note that the witnesses shall be present at the time and sign in the presence of testator.
GIFTS MORTIS CAUSA
disposing of gifts by a person in anticipation of death/ belief in approaching death.
Limitations: 1. limited to personal properties 2. acceptance by the recipient 3. gifts are revocable and subject to the claims of creditors without proof of intent of defrauding them
BOARD QUESTIONS: 1. The nurse out of pity unhooked the patient from a respirator. The patient died after 15 minutes. This type of felony is: a. consummated b. frustrated c. attempted
2. Circumstances which are said to be in accordance with the law are said to be: a. Justifying b. Exempting c. Mitigating d. Aggravating
3. All of the following are exempting circumstances except: a. Imbecile b. 8 year old c. performance of a lawful act d. offender is deaf and dumb
4. When a politician takes advantage of his power in the performance of unlawful actions, this is considered as: a. justifying circumstance b. exempting circumstance c. mitigating circumstance d. aggravating circumstance
5. When one alters a record to conceal possible evidence of negligence, she can be charged as: a. accomplice b. accessory c. principal d. co-principal
BOARD QUESTIONS: 1. A client in a long term care facility refuses to take his oral medications. The nurse threatens the client and tells him that, if the medication isn’t taken, restraints will be applied. The nurse’s statement constitutes which legal tort? a. assault b. battery c. negligence d. right to refuse treatment
2. The nurse is at risk for lawsuit. Which of the following actions will shield her from possible lawsuits? 1. knowledge and implementation of standards of care 2. documentation of actions accurately and concisely 3. document outcome of care 4. following all doctor’s order a. 1,2,4 b. 2 & 3 c. 1,2,3 d. 2,3,4
3. One of the midwives in the health center injected Cotrimoxazole to a 5 year old patient without the consent of the parents. Which of the following can the midwife be possibly accused of? a. malpractice b. battery c. negligence d. assault
4. If that nurse divulges the information that she is caring for the child of a patient with sexually transmitted disease, she can be liable for: a. libel b. slander c. tort d. invasion of privacy
5. Two janitors were having a heated argument as to who shall dispose the waste of a patient with typhoid fever. The first one called the other “lazybone” and “pain in the neck” within the hearing of the rest of the nurses.The case is: a. libel b. invasion of privacy c. slander d. negligence
6. Should the accusation be written in the newsletter of the hospital, such liability is a: a. assault b. libel c. slander d. battery
7. The nurse observed that in the hospital where she worked, it is a practice to accept medical orders by telephone. In this aspect, she should remember the following: a. T.O should be countersigned by the attending physician at the first opportunity to make it legal order b. T.O are risky and should not be accepted c. The nurse could write on the the doctor’s order sheet the exact date, time and full name of the dr giving the order d. The nurse can sign for the doctor on the order sheet a. 1,4 b. 1,2 c. 3 only d. 1, 3
8. The nurse noticed that restraining patients is a common practice. Which of the following should she remember? a. Restraints are necessary so that the nurse could do more work for patients b. Use of restraints is an effective intervention c. Restraints require a physician’s order d. Refusal to be restrained is a ground for terminating the nurse-patient relationship
9. Patient records are very important in court litigations. Which of the following safeguards should be adopted by the nurse? A. follow standard charting b. photocopy pt’s chart before submitting to the medical records Office c. maintain a logbook of potential legal case all of the above
Related Documents
Nursing Jurisprudence
October 2019 48
Nursing Jurisprudence
June 2020 15
Nursing Jurisprudence
May 2020 8
Nursing Jurisprudence Review
December 2019 12
Jurisprudence
June 2020 28