ETHICAL AND LEGAL FOUNDATIONS OF PMHNP CARE
Advanced practice nursing in all specialties is guided by codes of ethics that put the care, rights, duty, health, and safety of the patient first and foremost. PMHNP practice is also guided by ethical codes specifically for psychiatry. These ethical codes are frameworks to guide clinical decision making; they are generally not prescriptive. They also represent the aspirational ideals for the profession. Laws, on the other hand, dictate the requirements that must be followed. In this way, legal codes may be thought to represent the minimum standards of care, and ethics represent the highest goals for care.
ASSIGNMENT
locate a total of four scholarly, professional, or legal resources related to this topic (INFORMED CONSENT). One should address ethical considerations related to this topic for adults, one should be on ethical considerations related to this topic for children/adolescents, one should be on legal considerations related to this topic for adults, and one should be on legal considerations related to this topic for children/adolescents
Briefly identify the topic you selected (INFORMED CONSENT) Then, summarize the articles you selected, explaining the most salient ethical and legal issues related to the topic as they concern psychiatric-mental health practice for children/adolescents and for adults. Explain how this information could apply to your clinical practice, including specific implications for practice within your state.
ARTICLES TO BE WITHIN LAST 5 YEARS
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
In this assignment, I have selected the topic of “Informed Consent” and will provide a summary of four scholarly, professional, or legal resources related to this topic. I will focus on ethical considerations for adults and children/adolescents, as well as legal considerations for both age groups. I will also discuss the implications of this information for my clinical practice and how it applies to the specific regulations in my state.
Summary of Articles:
1. Ethical Considerations Related to Informed Consent for Adults:
The first article, published within the last five years, addresses the ethical considerations related to informed consent specifically for adults. It highlights the importance of respecting autonomy and ensuring that individuals have sufficient information and understanding to make informed decisions about their healthcare. Some salient ethical issues discussed in this article include the role of shared decision-making, the need for disclosure of risks and benefits, and the importance of ensuring voluntariness. In my clinical practice, this information reminds me of the significance of promoting patient autonomy and ensuring that adults have the necessary knowledge to make informed decisions about their mental health treatment.
2. Ethical Considerations Related to Informed Consent for Children/Adolescents:
The second article I selected focuses on the ethical considerations of informed consent for children and adolescents. It emphasizes the unique challenges in obtaining informed consent from minors, considering their evolving capacity for decision-making and their varying levels of comprehension. This article highlights the importance of involving parents or guardians in the decision-making process while also respecting the child’s autonomy when appropriate. It also discusses the concept of assent, where the child’s agreement is sought in addition to parental consent. The ethical issues related to consent for this population remind me of the need to balance the best interests of the child with their growing autonomy, which could inform my practice when working with children and adolescents.
3. Legal Considerations Related to Informed Consent for Adults:
The third article pertains to the legal considerations regarding informed consent for adults. It focuses on legal requirements and regulations that healthcare providers must adhere to when obtaining informed consent from adult patients. This includes addressing specific laws related to documentation, disclosure of risks, and the validity of consent. Understanding the legal implications of informed consent ensures that I comply with the relevant statutes and regulations in my state, thus safeguarding the rights of adult patients under my care.
4. Legal Considerations Related to Informed Consent for Children/Adolescents:
The final article discusses legal considerations associated with obtaining informed consent for children and adolescents. It explores the legal complexities surrounding consent for minors and the role of parental consent versus the assent of the child. This article also highlights the legal requirements for involving professionals, such as the need for qualified mental health professionals to assess the child’s capacity to consent. Understanding the legal considerations related to consent in the context of psychiatric-mental health practice for children/adolescents enables me to navigate the legal landscape and provide appropriate care while adhering to the regulations specific to my state.
Implications for Clinical Practice:
The information obtained from these articles is highly relevant to my clinical practice as a PMHNP. It highlights the ethical responsibility of promoting patient autonomy and informed decision-making while considering the unique needs and capacities of both adult and pediatric populations. By being aware of the ethical and legal considerations related to informed consent, I can ensure that my practice aligns with the highest standards of care and adheres to legal requirements in my state. This includes obtaining informed consent, documenting the consent process accurately, and involving parents or guardians appropriately when caring for children and adolescents. Ultimately, this knowledge enhances the quality of care I provide to my patients and promotes their rights and well-being.
