Law, Ethics and Professional Conduct in Healthcare

Law, ethics and professional conduct 1
Law, Ethics and professional code
Students name
Institutional affiliation
Due date

Law, ethics and professional conduct 2
Introduction.
Healthcare is guided by law, ethics and professional codes of conduct that regulate the
conduct of healthcare providers in the course of practice. Legal principles are the laws that have
been laid down in a particular geographical jurisdiction (Avery, 2016). Actions that contravene
the set laws are subject punitive actions through the legal system. Ethics refers what which is
considered right or wrong. Professional codes of ethics refer to the way particular members of a
profession are expected to behave in practice. These codes are set and implemented by the
professional governing body. The body has the authority to issue and revoke licenses to its
members. Any healthcare provider is expected to abide by them.
Case scenario.
Ning is a registered nurse in Queensland working with secondary school students in a
school-based youth health-nurse program. She interacts with Sabrina a 16 years old girl whom
she considers Gallick competent. She seems rather dissociated from the rest of the students and
does not easily make friends. She spends most of her time with Ning seeking advice on many
issue. At one instance she is disturbed when she experiences pregnancy symptoms. The
pregnancy is further confirmed by Ning; but she does not want any of this information revealed
to her parents. Although Ning feels that would be the best way out, she has to respect her
decision. On further discussion, Ning realizes that Sabrina is a victim of child abuse from her
father after she is shown bruises on her upper body. Ning gives her details about a gynecologist
who would offer her more assistance, but she leaves behind the note onto which the details had
been put. This paper will focus on the Legal, Ethical and Professional issues that surround this
case scenario and the best decisions that would be made under the circumstances to ensure
protection and care is accorded to Sabrina.

Law, ethics and professional conduct 3
Ethical issues
Autonomy.
This refers to the right of an individual to make decisions concerning the care they are
about to receive without undue coercion. In a patient-nurse setting, this translates confidentiality
in care. This code of ethics prohibits a healthcare provider from revealing information regarding
patient’s health to individuals without their permission (Butts & Rich, 2019). However, there are
circumstances where this can be breached for instance if the information revealed is for the
public good. According to Ning’s assessment, Sabrina is Gallick competent. She is in a position
to make decisions concerning her reproductive health (Lennings, 2015). She does not want this
information revealed to anyone else especially her father. In as much as the RN may feel that the
best decision I to talk with the parents and discuss the eat forward, the patient does not agree
with this idea. Ning will have broken this code if she decides to go ahead with her idea without
her consent.
A nurse can be allowed to reveal information concerning the patient in particular
circumstances (Rubio, 2016). A good example is when the patient has been abused. The law
allows for the breach of this ode especially when a minor is in question. Sabrina confirms that
she is being abused by her father and shows wound on her body to prove the allegations. The
morally correct decision here is to inform the necessary authorities for action. The nurse has a
duty to protect the vulnerable and Sabrina, a minor, fits this category. She needs protection from
any physical or emotional torture that would impact negatively in her health.