| A | B |
|---|
| Multistate Licensure (Nurse Licensure Compact) | Legislation in some states that renders a nursing license obtained in that state valid for practice in other states with multistate legislation. Each state's individual regulations must still be followed. |
| negligence | Conduct that falls velow the standard of care established by law for the protection of others |
| Nurse Practice Act | Governs the practice of nursing. developed by most states and provincial board of nursing |
| Nursing standard of care | Guideline for good nursing care. standards are based on what an ordinary, prudent nurse with similar education and nursing experience would do in a similar situation |
| patient competency | Relates to ability to understand and make decisions. Has both legal and clinical meaning |
| patient self-determination act (PSDA) | Basis for advanced directives. federal law mandates |
| personal liability | Holds person (nurse) responsible for own actions |
| preponderance | Evidence that is beyond a reasonable doubt |
| physician-assisted suicide | Name tagged onto )Oregon Death with Dignity Law". Physician writes prescription for medication to end life but does not administer it. Patient self-administers lethal medication |
| proximate cause | One of four elements needed to prove negligence. refeers to reasonable cause-and-effect relationship between omission and commission of nursing act and harm to patient |
| slander | Damage to someone's reputation by verbalizing untrue or confidential information |
| statutory law | Law developed by the legislative branch of staet and federal governments |
| the Joint Commission | Sets the standards of care for hospitals and long-term care agencies. Agencies receive accreditation if they elect to be reviewed and meet standards |
| Unintentional torts | Nurse did not intend to injure patient. negligence and malpractice are examples |
| vicarious liability | Responsible for actions of another because of a special relationship with the other |
