This domain defines the professional accountability and scope of ethical and legal practice of the ANP in relation to patients, families, other members of the multidisciplinary team, community and society.
Accountability
Accepts accountability for own actions, decision-making and for the related outcomes.
Performance criteria:
- Demonstrates accountability for own professional judgments, actions, outcomes of care and continued competence in accordance with Qatari laws and regulations and the Scope of Practice (HMC).
- Works within the limits of own competence and the boundaries of the Scope of Practice (HMC).
- Seeks appropriate guidance when encountering situations beyond the limits of own competence and the Scope of Practice (HMC).
- Acknowledges and respects the accountability and responsibilities of other healthcare professionals and personnel.
- Assumes accountability for delegation of aspects of care delivery.
- Participates in activities to optimize patient access to the full range of services required for effective healthcare.
- Assumes accountability for improving the quality and effectiveness of healthcare services provided.
Ethical Practice
Delivers nursing care and practices embedding the HMC Code of Professional Behavior and Ethics for Nurses and Midwives as the ethical and professional framework considering the socio-cultural needs of patients, families, communities and society.
Performance criteria:
- Practices according to the HMC Code of Professional Behavior and Ethics for Nurses and Midwives.
- Engages in ethical decision-making with respect to own professional responsibilities or where ethical issues affect healthcare delivery or clinical decision-making.
- Acts as patient advocate protecting the person’s rights in accordance with Qatari law and HMC terms and conditions.
- Maintains confidentiality and makes every reasonable effort to ensure the security of written, verbal and electronic patient information.
- Respects the patient’s (including children and young people and their parents) and family’s right to be fully informed establishing a context for self- determination, assent (children) and informed consent.
- Respects and maintains the patient’s and family’s right for privacy and dignity.
- Acts sensitively and fairly giving due consideration to diversity, including cultural and religious beliefs, race, age, gender, physical and mental state, and other relevant factors.
- Liaises and collaborates with other healthcare professionals and personnel to ensure ethical practice is maintained.
- Questions when appropriate, healthcare practice where the safety of others is at risk and where the quality of care warrants improvement; acts where the safety of care is compromised and where necessary reports others who may be risking patient safety.
- Demonstrates professional integrity and ethical behavior in matters where a conflict of interest could be construed, i.e. when advising on the use of drugs, products, devices or services (as per facility approved policy and HMC Code of Professional Behavior and Ethics for Nurses and Midwives).
- Fosters the establishment of an ethical environment that supports the rights of all participants.
- Serves as a mentor and role model by participating in the resolution of ethical and clinical dilemmas.
- Identifies ethical implications of complex care situations and applies ethical principles to resolve concerns.
- Considers the impact of scientific advances, cost, clinical effectiveness, patient and family values and preferences, and other external factors.
- Ethically explores therapeutic options considering implications for care through the integration of assessment information, the person’s informed decision and best available evidence.
- Demonstrates professional integrity and ethical behavior in relation to therapeutic product manufacturers and pharmaceutical organizations.
- Discloses the facts of adverse events to the patient and other health professionals; mitigates harm, and reports adverse events to appropriate authorities in keeping with relevant legislation and organizational policy.
Legal Practice
Functions at all times in accordance with legislative, regulatory and policy guidelines relevant to registered nursing/ANP practice.
Performance criteria:
- Practices in accordance with agreed policies and procedures that guide nursing practice.
- Practices in accordance with relevant laws and regulations that govern nursing practice.
- Maintains valid registration and licensure to practice in Qatar.
- Recognizes and acts upon breaches of laws and regulations relating to the professional role and/or HMC Code of Professional Behaviour and Ethics for Nurses and Midwives.
- Maintains a professional portfolio including evidence of continued competence and improvement.
- Advocates for equitable patient care by:
a) Participating in organizational, local, state, national or international level of policy-making activities for issues related to their expertise. b) Evaluating the impact of legislative and regulatory policies as they apply to nursing practice and patient or population outcomes.
- Communicates information that promotes nursing, the role of the CNS and outcomes of nursing and CNS practice through the use of the media, advanced technologies, and community networks.
