Components of Accountability
The Code of Ethics established by the American Nursing Association. Being answerable to oneself and others for one’s own actions.
Professional accountability.
Duty to report neglect, sexual, physical, or emotional abuse of vulnerable individuals
Mandatory reporting
Establish standards to protect the privacy of personal health information.
HIPPA
Explains to patients what they should expect in the hospital
Patient Care Partnership
Nurses are personally accountable by law for their actions and/or omissions and have a legal obligation to provide care within their Scope of Practice.
Legal accountability
Protect from liability those who provide emergency care.
Good Samaritan Laws
Healthcare agencies are required to notify patients of data breaches.
HITECH ACT
Services that a qualified health professional is deemed competent to perform
Scope of Practice
Relates to the nurse’s responsibility to provide for patients and to maintain the patient’s best interest as a priority.
Ethical
A nurse helps a car wreck victim on her way home. The pt. sues the nurse for spinal cord injuries. She is protected from liability.
The Good Samaritan Laws
EMTALA
Nurses should practice accountability to their employers.
Employment accountability
Each state's legislative body defines the practice of nursing.
Nurse Practice Acts
Provides protection against discrimination of individuals with disabilities.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Duty to report communicable disease
Mandatory reporting
Recognizes the patient's right to make decisions regarding their own healthcare.
Patient Self-Determination Act (PSDA)