PROFESSIONAL

ADJUSTMENT, ETHICS Professor Guinevere Gail R.

Alipo-on, RN, CRN, MAN*,
AND LEGAL NURSING APCHA

(NCM 107 B)
THOUGHT OF THE DAY
#TOTD
 WHAT TO EXPECT?
I. Professional Adjustment
 A. Definition and Criteria of a profession
 B. Nursing Program
 C. License to Practice Nursing
 D. The BON
 E. Different Fields of Nursing
 F. Nursing Associations
 G. Roles and Responsibilities of a Beginning Nurse Practitioner
 H. Career Planning
 I. Emerging Opportunities
 J. Issues and Trends in Nursing Practice and Education

II. Nursing Jurisprudence/Legal Aspects of Nursing

III. Bioethics
 WHAT TO EXPECT?
I. Professional Adjustment
II. Nursing Jurisprudence/Legal Aspects of Nursing
 A. Legal Responsibilities of Nurses
 B. Laws Governing Nursing
 C. Legal Issues Affecting Nurses
 D. Legal Protections in the Nursing Service
 E. Good Samaritan Law
 F. Nurse – attorney Relationship
 G. Laws of Conduct
 H. Licensure
 I. Laws, Resolutions, Proclamation, Executive Orders Affecting the Practice of Nursing in the Philippines

III. Bioethics
 WHAT TO EXPECT?
I. Professional Adjustment
II. Nursing Jurisprudence/Legal Aspects of Nursing
III. Bioethics
 A. Definition of Terms
 B. The Human Person
 C. Types of Ethical Thoughts
 D. The Calling of the Health Care Provider
 E. The Qualities and Responsibilities of a Good Health Care Provider to the Client, Society and It’s Profession
 F. Virtues, Vices and Habits
 G. Basic Ethical Principles
 H. Major Ethical Principles
 I. Application of the Bioethical Principles to the Care of the Sick
 1. Functions of the Informed Consent
 2. Rights of the Patient
 I. PROFESSIONAL
ADJUSTMENT -
DEFINITION AND CRITERIA OF
Adjustment A PROFESSION
an educational process referring to changes in behavior towards better life, better
relationships and better contribution to society
Profession
a calling by which members profess to have acquired special knowledge by training, by
experience or both so that they may guide or advice or serve others in that field
an occupation usually involving relatively long and specialized preparation on the level of
higher education and governed by its own code of ethics
Professional Adjustment
the growth of the whole individual and development of all his/her capacities, physical,
mental, social and spiritual towards efficient and effective performance of his/her profession
 I. PROFESSIONAL
ADJUSTMENT -
DEFINITION AND CRITERIA OF
A PROFESSION
NURSING AS A PROFESSION
Education
 with a well-defined knowledge and expertise
 a profession requires an extended education of its member, as well as basic liberal foundation

Code of Ethics
 required integrity of its members, that is, a member is expected to do what is considered right regardless of the personal cost
 means to monitor professional behavior

Mastery of the Craft

 depth of knowledge and skills that others without similar education
 expected to make independent decisions using this body of knowledge
 Theory - a profession has a theoretical body of knowledge leading to defined skills, abilities and norms

Professional Organization
 need to be aware of the issues confronting nursing and the trends in nursing practice
 I. PROFESSIONAL
ADJUSTMENT -
DEFINITION AND CRITERIA OF
A PROFESSION
NURSING AS A PROFESSION
Accountability
 nurses participates in making decisions and learns to live with these decisions
 responsibility

Service
 a profession that provides basic service

Autonomy
 members of a profession have autonomy in decision making and in practice

Caring
 The most unique characteristic of nursing as a profession is that, it is a caring profession
I. PROFESSIONAL
ADJUSTMENT –
THE BSN PRORAM
I. PROFESSIONAL
ADJUSTMENT –
THE BSN PRORAM
I. PROFESSIONAL
ADJUSTMENT –
THE BSN PRORAM
I. PROFESSIONAL
ADJUSTMENT –
THE BSN PRORAM
I. PROFESSIONAL
ADJUSTMENT –
THE BSN PRORAM
I. PROFESSIONAL
ADJUSTMENT –
THE BSN PRORAM
 I. PROFESSIONAL
ADJUSTMENT –
THE BON
ARTICLE III
ORGANIZATION OF THE BOARD OF NURSING
SEC. 3. Creation and Composition of the Board. — There shall be created a
Professional Regulatory Board of Nursing, hereinafter referred to as the Board, to be
composed of a Chairperson and six (6) members. They shall be appointed by the
President of the Republic of the Philippines from among two (2) recommendees, per
vacancy, of the Professional Regulation Commission, hereinafter referred to as the
Commission, chosen and ranked from a list of three (3) nominees, per vacancy, of
the accredited professional organization of nurses in the Philippines who possess the
qualifications prescribed in Section 4 of this Act.
 I. PROFESSIONAL ADJUSTMENT –
THE BON
ARTICLE III
ORGANIZATION OF THE BOARD OF NURSING
SEC. 4. Qualifications of the Chairperson and Members of the Board. — The Chairperson and Members of the Board shall,
at the time of their appointment, possess the following qualifications:
(a) Be a natural born citizen and resident of the Philippines;
(b) Be a member of good standing of the accredited professional organization of nurses;
(c) Be a registered nurse and holder of a master’s degree in nursing, education or other allied medical profession conferred
by a college or university duly recognized by the Government: Provided, That the majority of the Members of the Board
shall be holders of a master’s degree in nursing: Provided, further, That the Chairperson shall be a holder of a master’s
degree in nursing;
(d) Have at least ten (10) years of continuous practice of the profession prior to appointment: Provided, however, That the
last five (5) years of which shall be in the Philippines; and
(e) Not have been convicted of any offense involving moral turpitude;
Provided, That the membership to the Board shall represent the three (3) areas of nursing, namely: nursing education,
nursing service and community health nursing.
 I. PROFESSIONAL
ADJUSTMENT –
THE BON
SEC. 5. Requirements Upon Qualification as Member of the Board of Nursing. — Any person appointed as
Chairperson or Member of the Board shall immediately resign from any teaching position in any school,
college, university or institution offering Bachelor of Science in Nursing and/or review program for the local
nursing board examinations or in any office or employment in the government or any subdivision, agency or
instrumentality thereof, including government-owned or controlled corporations or their subsidiaries as well as
those employed in the private sector. He/she shall not have any pecuniary interest in or administrative
supervision over any institution offering Bachelor of Science in Nursing including review classes.
SEC. 6. Term of Office. — The Chairperson and Members of the Board shall hold office for a term of three (3)
years and until their successors shall have been appointed and qualified: Provided, That the Chairperson and
Members of the Board may be reappointed for another term.
Any vacancy in the Board occurring within the term of a Member shall be filled for the unexpired portion of
the term only. Each Member of the Board shall take the proper oath of office prior to the performance of his/her
duties.
The incumbent Chairperson and Members of the Board shall continue to serve for the remainder of their term
under Republic Act No. 7164 until their replacements have been appointed by the President and shall have been
duly qualified.
 I. PROFESSIONAL
ADJUSTMENT –
THE BON
SEC. 9. Powers and Duties of the Board. — The Board shall supervise and regulate the practice of
the nursing profession and shall have the following powers, duties and functions:
(a) Conduct the licensure examination for nurses;
(b) Issue, suspend or revoke certificates of registration for the practice of nursing;
(c) Monitor and enforce quality standards of nursing practice in the Philippines and exercise the
powers necessary to ensure the maintenance of efficient, ethical and technical, moral and
professional standards in the practice of nursing taking into account the health needs of the nation;
(d) Ensure quality nursing education by examining the prescribed facilities of universities or colleges
of nursing or departments of nursing education and those seeking permission to open nursing courses
to ensure that standards of nursing education are properly complied with and maintained at all times.
The authority to open and close colleges of nursing and/or nursing education programs shall be
vested on the Commission on Higher Education upon the written recommendation of the Board;
 I. PROFESSIONAL
ADJUSTMENT –
THE BON
(e) Conduct hearings and investigations to resolve complaints against nurse practitioners for
unethical and unprofessional conduct and violations of this Act, or its rules and regulations and in
connection therewith, issue subpoena ad testificandum and subpoena duces tecum to secure the
appearance of respondents, and witnesses and the production of documents and punish with
contempt persons obstructing, impeding and/or otherwise interfering with the conduct of such
proceedings, upon application with the court;
(f) Promulgate a Code of Ethics in coordination and consultation with the accredited professional
organization of nurses within one (1) year from the effectivity of this Act;
(g) Recognize nursing specialty organizations in coordination with the accredited professional
organization; and
(h) Prescribe, adopt, issue and promulgate guidelines, regulations, measures and decisions as may
be necessary for the improvement of the nursing practice, advancement of the profession and for
the proper and full enforcement of this Act subject to the review and approval by the Commission.
 I. PROFESSIONAL
ADJUSTMENT –
THE BON
SEC. 10. Annual Report. — The Board shall at the close of its calendar year submit an
annual report to the President of the Philippines through the Commission giving a
detailed account of its proceedings and the accomplishments during the year and
making recommendations for the adoption of measures that will upgrade and improve
the conditions affecting the practice of the nursing profession.
SEC. 11. Removal or Suspension of Board Members. — The President may remove or
suspend any member of the Board after having been given the opportunity to defend
himself/herself in a proper administrative investigation, on the following grounds:
(a) Continued neglect of duty or incompetence;
(b) Commission or toleration of irregularities in the licensure examination; and
(c) Unprofessional, immoral or dishonorable conduct.
 I. PROFESSIONAL
ADJUSTMENT
- LICENSE TO PRACTICE
NURSING ARTICLE IV

EXAMINATION AND REGISTRATION

SEC. 12. Licensure Examination. — All applicants for license to practice nursing shall be required to pass a written
examination, which shall be given by the Board in such places and dates as may be designated by the
Commission: Provided, That it shall be in accordance with Republic Act No. 8981, otherwise known as the “PRC
Modernization Act of 2000.”
SEC. 13. Qualifications for Admission to the Licensure Examination. — In order to be admitted to the examination for
nurses, an applicant must, at the time of filing his/her application, establish to the satisfaction of the Board that:
(a) He/she is a citizen of the Philippines, or a citizen or subject of a country which permits Filipino nurses to practice
within its territorial limits on the same basis as the subject or citizen of such country: Provided, That the requirements for
the registration or licensing of nurses in said country are substantially the same as those prescribed in this Act;
(b) He/she is of good moral character; and
(c) He/she is a holder of a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from a college or university that complies with the standards of
nursing education duly recognized by the proper government agency.
 I. PROFESSIONAL
ADJUSTMENT
- LICENSE TO PRACTICE
NURSING
SEC. 14. Scope of Examination. — The scope of the examination for the practice of nursing in the Philippines shall
be determined by the Board. The Board shall take into consideration the objectives of the nursing curriculum, the
broad areas of nursing, and other related disciplines and competencies in determining the subjects of examinations.
SEC. 15. Ratings. — In order to pass the examination, an examinee must obtain a general average of at least
seventy-five percent (75%) with a rating of not below sixty percent (60%) in any subject. An examinee who obtains
an average rating of seventy-five percent (75%) or higher but gets a rating below sixty percent (60%) in any subject
must take the examination again but only in the subject or subjects where he/she is rated below sixty percent (60%).
In order to pass the succeeding examination, an examinee must obtain a rating of at least seventy-five percent (75%)
in the subject or subjects repeated.
SEC. 16. Oath. — All successful candidates in the examination shall be required to take an oath of profession before
the Board or any government official authorized to administer oaths prior to entering upon the nursing practice.
SEC. 17. Issuance of Certificate of Registration/Professional License and Professional Identification Card. — A
certificate of registration/professional license as a nurse shall be issued to an applicant who passes the examination
upon payment of the prescribed fees. Every certificate of registration/professional license shall show the full name
of the registrant, the serial number, the signature of the Chairperson of the Commission and of the Members of the
Board, and the official seal of the Commission.
 I. PROFESSIONAL
ADJUSTMENT
- LICENSE TO PRACTICE
NURSING
SEC. 18. Fees for Examination and Registration. — Applicants for licensure and for registration shall pay the prescribed fees set by
Commission.
SEC. 19. Automatic Registration of Nurses. — All nurses whose names appear at the roster of nurses shall be automatically or ipso
facto registered as nurses under this Act upon its effectivity.
SEC. 20. Registration by Reciprocity. — A certificate of registration/professional license may be issued without examination to nurses
registered under the laws of a foreign state or country: Provided, That the requirements for registration or licensing of nurses in said country
are substantially the same as those prescribed under this Act: Provided, further, That the laws of such state or country grant the same
privileges to registered nurses of the Philippines on the same basis as the subjects or citizens of such foreign state or country.
SEC. 21. Practice Through Special/Temporary Permit. — A special/temporary permit may be issued by the Board to the following persons
subject to the approval of the Commission and upon payment of the prescribed fees:
(a) Licensed nurses from foreign countries/states whose service are either for a fee or free if they are internationally well-known specialists
or outstanding experts in any branch or specialty of nursing;
(b) Licensed nurses from foreign countries/states on medical mission whose services shall be free in a particular hospital, center or clinic;
and
(c) Licensed nurses from foreign countries/states employed by schools/colleges of nursing as exchange professors in a branch or specialty
of nursing;
Provided, however, That the special/temporary permit shall be effective only for the duration of the project, medical mission or employment
contract.
 I. PROFESSIONAL
ADJUSTMENT
- LICENSE TO PRACTICE
NURSING
SEC. 22. Non-registration and Non-issuance of Certificates of Registration/Professional License or Special/Temporary Permit. — No person
convicted by final judgment of any criminal offense involving moral turpitude or any person guilty of immoral or dishonorable conduct or any person
declared by the court to be of unsound mind shall be registered and be issued a certificate of registration/professional license or a special/temporary
permit.
The Board shall furnish the applicant a written statement setting forth the reasons for its actions, which shall be incorporated in the records of the
Board.
SEC. 23. Revocation and Suspension of Certificate of Registration/Professional License and Cancellation of Special/Temporary Permit. — The Board
shall have the power to revoke or suspend the certificate of registration/professional license or cancel the special/temporary permit of a nurse upon
any of the following grounds:
(a) For any of the causes mentioned in the preceding section;
(b) For unprofessional and unethical conduct;
(c) For gross incompetence or serious ignorance;
(d) For malpractice or negligence in the practice of nursing;
(e) For the use of fraud, deceit, or false statements in obtaining a certificate of registration/professional license or a temporary/special permit;
(f) For violation of this Act, the rules and regulations, Code of Ethics for nurses and technical standards for nursing practice, policies of the Board and
the Commission, or the conditions and limitations for the issuance of the temporary/special permit; or
(g) For practicing his/her profession during his/her suspension from such practice;
Provided, however, That the suspension of the certificate of registration/professional license shall be for a period not to exceed four (4) years.
 I. PROFESSIONAL
ADJUSTMENT
- LICENSE TO PRACTICE
NURSING
SEC. 24. Re-issuance of Revoked Certificates and Replacement of Lost Certificates.
— The Board may, after the expiration of a maximum of four (4) years from the date
of revocation of a certificate, for reasons of equity and justice and when the cause for
revocation has disappeared or has been cured and corrected, upon proper application
therefor and the payment of the required fees, issue another copy of the certificate of
registration/professional license.
A new certificate of registration/professional license to replace the certificate that has
been lost, destroyed or mutilated may be issued, subject to the rules of the Board.
 I. PROFESSIONAL
ADJUSTMENT –
DIFFERENT FIELDS OF
NURSING
The four (4) branches of nursing
1. Nursing Education
2. Nursing Service
3. Community Health Nursing
4. Nursing Research
 I. PROFESSIONAL
ADJUSTMENT – NURSING
ASSOCIATIONS
YNAP Young Nurses Association of the Philippines Inc
SCVNPP Society of Cardiovascular Nurse Practitioners of the Philippines
RENAP Renal Nurses Association of the Philippines
PSECN Philippine Society of Emergency Care Nurses
PONA Philippine Oncology Nurses Association
PNA Philippine Nurses Association
PHICNA Philippine Infection Control Nurses Association
 I. PROFESSIONAL
ADJUSTMENT – NURSING
ASSOCIATIONS
ORNAP Operating-Room Nurses of the Philippines
OHNAP Occupational Health Nurses Association of the Philippines
NLGNP National League of Government Nurses of the Philippines
NICUNAP NICU Nurses Association of the Philippines
NARS Nagkakaisang Narses sa Adhikaing Reporma sa Kalusugan ng Sambayanan
MNAP Military Nurses Association of the Philippines
MCNAP Maternal and Child Nurses Association of the Philippines
 I. PROFESSIONAL
ADJUSTMENT – NURSING
ASSOCIATIONS
IAAPI INFJ Alumni Association of the Philippines Inc
GNCF Graduate Nurses Christian Fellowship
GNAP Gerontology Nurses Association of the Philippines
CNGP Catholic Nurses Guild of the Philippines
CCNAPI Critical Care Nurses Association of the Philippines Inc
APDNPP Association of Private Duty Nurse Practitioners of the Philippines
ANSAP Association of Nursing Service Administrators of the Philippines
 I. PROFESSIONAL
ADJUSTMENT – NURSING
ASSOCIATIONS
PNA Philippine Nurses Association

The Philippine Nurses Association is a professional organization in the Philippines

established to promote the holistic welfare of nurses and to prepare them to be
globally-competitive. It used to be known as Filipino Nurses Association (FNA). It
was founded by Anastacia Giron-Tupas in 1922. The headquarters is located at 1663
F.T. Benitez Street, in Malate, Manila.
 I. PROFESSIONAL
ADJUSTMENT – NURSING
ASSOCIATIONS
ANSAP Association of Nursing Service Administrators of the Philippines
 I. PROFESSIONAL
ADJUSTMENT –
CAREER PLANNING
 I. PROFESSIONAL
ADJUSTMENT –
CAREER PLANNING
 I. PROFESSIONAL
ADJUSTMENT –
EMERGING OPPORTUNITIES
1. Nursing Informatics
2. Quality & Patient Safety (including Risk Management)
3. Clinical Research Scientist
4. Clinical Nurse Specialist and/or Advanced Nurse Practitioner
5. Clinical Pathways Coordinator and/or Navigator Nurse
6. Genetic Nurse
 I. PROFESSIONAL
ADJUSTMENT –
ISSUES AND TRENDS
1. Nurse shortage will continue.
2. Nursing jobs will increase.
3. Nursing education will be more available in online platform.
4. Nursing education will be higher. (Focused on BSN).
5. Rise of telemedicine.
6. Traveling Nurse demand.
7. Increased specialization.
8. Need for self care of nurses.
9. Nursing informatics will grow.
10. Increased salaries and benefits.
 II. NURSING
JURISPRUDENCE/LEGAL
ASPECTS OF NURSING
VI. Responsibilities to the Patient
1.The primary responsibility of the nurse to the patient is to give him/her the kind of care his/her condition needs
regardless of his/her race, creed, color, nationality or status. In doing so, the patient's care shall be based on needs, the
physician's orders, and the ailment; and shall involve the patient and/or his/her family so that he/she or any of the
family can participate in his/her case
2.The nurse can plan with the patient and family a specific nursing care of the patient according to his or family's needs
and requirements
3.The nurse should promote learning for the patient
4.When giving care she should not forget that patient and human beings not just bodies afflicted with illness (treatment
of person not symptom)
5.A nurse is expected to show more commission to the patient than the physician
6.Her prmary consideration in assuming care is a concern for the patient's welfare and safety
7.A nurse is responsible to give facts or information to the patient and his family which they entitled to know
8.A nurse guard as a sacred trust any confidential or private information from the patient even after death of the patient
except when it is required to show the interest of justice, public health or public safety
9.Nurses are advised to become familiar with the patient's bill of rights and observe its provisions
10.Nurses should commit themselves to the welfare of those entrusted to their care. They should be loyal to their sworn
duty
 II. NURSING
JURISPRUDENCE/LEGAL
ASPECTS OF NURSING
VII. Responsibilities to the Physician
1.It is expected that nurses will not only carry out doctor's orders accurately and conscientiously but help
plan and implement patient care as well
2.He/She should call the physician's attention when he makes mistakes before carrying out his
prescriptions otherwise he/she may be liable for the consequences
3.Nurses must report patient's condition including results of therapies so that management of care can be
properly monitored and modified as necessary
4.Nurses should familiarize themselves with the various routines, methods or idiosyncrasies of physicians,
so that smooth relationships can be maintained. In case the patient has a complaint against the physician,
this shall be tactfully brought to the latter's attention
5.Any case of illegal, incompetent or unethical practice by any member of the health team shall be brought
to the attention of the appropriate authority through channels within the institutional or agency setting
6.Nurses should remember that any medical act relegated to them is illegal because it is specified in the
Medical Law that any licensed nurse who does this, even if supervised, can be held for illegal practice of
medicine
 II. NURSING
JURISPRUDENCE/LEGAL
ASPECTS OF NURSING
VIII. Responsibilities to the Public
A nurse should cooperate with the proper authorities in the enforcement of sanitary laws and
regulations and in the education of the masses on the promotion of individual and community
health.

Takes part in enlightening the public regarding communicable disease (prevention and cure).

Must be active in the performance of her duties as a citizen.

 II. NURSING
JURISPRUDENCE/LEGAL
ASPECTS OF NURSING
1. IX. Responsibilities to Colleagues
2. Nurses are expected to be able to get along smoothly with their colleagues.
3. Nurses shall adjust themselves to the organization and know its policies and procedures.
They shall establish good working relationships with coworkers
4. It is important that nurses know their place in the total organization so that they may
cooperate, coordinate and maximize their work
5. Situations such as when nurses see their colleagues neglect their duties or are incompetent
shall be brought to the attention of the immediate supervisor or appropriate authority
within the agency setting before any life could be endangered
6. Nurses should observe utmost caution, tact and prudence with respect to the official
conduct of his/her superiors or another nurse
7. Should refrain from making unfair and unwarranted criticisms against another nurse or
doing anything that would discredit her colleagues
8. Should not interfere with or take over the nursing care of a patient already under the care
of another nurse unless in case of emergency
 II. NURSING
JURISPRUDENCE/LEGAL
ASPECTS OF NURSING
X. Responsibilities to the Profession
A nurse should be zealous in her professional growth by keeping abreast with the least trends in
nursing science, act and practice (join a bona fide professional organization)
Should be upright, diligent, sober, modest and well versed in both science and the act of her
profession
Should not solicit patient by any means such as through advertisements, solicitors or agents
Must refrain from performing any act or any transaction that may be a discredit to herself or to
the profession and to bring to the attention of proper authorities any unethical conduct of any
registered nurse
XI. Responsibilities to Other Profession
She ought to cooperate in safeguarding the reputation and dignity of the members of other
profession
 II. NURSING
JURISPRUDENCE/LEGAL
ASPECTS OF NURSING – LAWS
GOVERNING NURSING
The word "law" may be defined as a rule of conduct pronounced by controlling
authority, which may be enforced.
There are three essential characteristics of every law. The first one is the authority or
the right to declare the rule exists. The second is that such rule is pronounced or
expressed and that its source can be identified. Lastly, a right to enforce the same
must be provided.
 II. NURSING
JURISPRUDENCE/LEGAL
ASPECTS OF NURSING – LAWS
GOVERNING NURSING
The Four (4) Types of Law
1. Constitutional Law
What is constitutional law Philippines?
The Constitution (1987) is the fundamental law of the land in the Philippines. It
establishes the structure, policies, roles and duties of the Philippines' government. It
contains the Bill of Rights (article III), and sets out the State's obligations to promote
and uphold social justice and human rights (article XIII).
2. Statutory Law
3. Administrative Law
4. Case/Common Law
 II. NURSING
JURISPRUDENCE/LEGAL
ASPECTS OF NURSING – LAWS
GOVERNING NURSING
The Four (4) Types of Law
1. Constitutional Law
2. Statutory Law
In the Philippines, statutory law includes constitutions, treaties, statutes proper or
legislative enactments, municipal charters, municipal legislation, court rules,
administrative rules and orders, legislative rules and presidential issuance.
3. Administrative Law
4. Case/Common Law
 II. NURSING
JURISPRUDENCE/LEGAL
ASPECTS OF NURSING – LAWS
GOVERNING NURSING
The Four (4) Types of Law
1. Constitutional Law
What is constitutional law Philippines?
2. Statutory Law
3. Administrative Law
The main law today regarding government administration in the Philippines is
the Administrative Code of 1987.
4. Crimininal Case/Common Law
 II. NURSING
JURISPRUDENCE/LEGAL
ASPECTS OF NURSING – LAWS
GOVERNING NURSING
The Four (4) Types of Law
1. Constitutional Law
2. Statutory Law
3. Administrative Law
4. Civil/Common Law
The civil law operates in areas such as family relations, property, succession,
contract and criminal law while statutes and principles of common law origin are
evident in such areas as constitutional law, procedure, corporations law, taxation,
insurance, labour relations, banking and currency.
 II. NURSING
JURISPRUDENCE/LEGAL
ASPECTS OF NURSING – LAWS
GOVERNING NURSING
Functions of Law in Nursing
- provides a framework for establishing what nursing actions in the care of patients
are legal
- delineates the nurse’s responsibilities from those of other professionals
- helps to establish the boundaries of independent nursing actions
- assists in maintaining a standard of nursing practice by making nurses accountable
to the law
 II. NURSING
JURISPRUDENCE/LEGAL
ASPECTS OF NURSING – LAWS
GOVERNING NURSING
Philippine Nursing Laws
An act regulating the practice of nursing profession in the Philippines
• RA 877
Philippine Nursing Law, June 19, 1953
• RA 4704
Creation of Board of Nursing
• PD223
Professional Regulation Commission has the power to recommend nominee
members of the board to the President of the Republic, June 22, 1973
• RA 7164
New Nursing law by Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, July 2, 2002 will be known as the ”
Philippine Nursing Act of 2002”
* RA 9173
 II. NURSING
JURISPRUDENCE/LEGAL
ASPECTS OF NURSING – LAWS
GOVERNING NURSING
Republic Acts
• RA 7164 – Philippine Nursing Act of 1991
• RA 9173- Philippine Nursing Act of 2002
• RA 1080 – Civil Service Eligibility for those who passed board and bar exams
• RA 2328 – Philippine Medical Act
• RA 1612 – Privilege Tax Law – professional tax payment
• RA 5181 – Permanent residence and Reciprocity
• RA 1082 – Rural Health Units all over the Philippines
• RA 4073 – Liberalizes leprosy treatment
• RA 1054 – Free emergency medical treatments to employees and laborers
• RA 4226 – Hospital Licensure Act
• RA 5901 – 40 hours/week for nurses in with 100-bed capacity…
• RA 3573 – Reporting of Communicable Diseases
• RA6111 – Medicare Act
• RA 6675 – Generics Act of 1988
• RA 6713 – Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials/Employees
• RA 6758 – Salary Standardization Law
• RA 7305 – Magna Carta for Public Health Workers
• RA 7277 – Magna Carta of Disabled Persons
• RA 7624 – Drug Education Law
• RA 6972 – Day Care Center for every barangay
• RA 7160 – Local Autonomy Code
• RA 7170 – Organ Donation
• RA 349 – Legalized use of human organs for scientific purposes
• RA 6809 – Amended Article 34 of Family Code, 18 years is majority age
 II. NURSING
JURISPRUDENCE/LEGAL
ASPECTS OF NURSING – LAWS
GOVERNING NURSING
Presidential Decree
• PD 223 – Professional Regulation Commission (PRC)
• PD 541 – Practice of profession in the Philippines by former professionals
• PD 651 – Birth Registration Law
• PD 856 – Sanitation Code
• PD 996 – Compulsory immunization of children under 8 years
• PD 491 – Nutrition Program Law
• PD 825 – Penalty for improper garbage disposal
• PD 143 – Woman and Child Labor Law (no child below 14 shall be employed)
• PD 69 – Four children for tax exemption
• PD 48 – Four children for maternity privilege
• PD 965 – Family Planning and Responsible Parenthood
• PD 442 – New Labor Code of the Philippines
• PD 603 – Child and Youth Welfare Code
• PD 1 519 – Medicare Benefits for all government employees
• PD 1636 – Compulsory membership to SSS of self-employed persons
• PD 626 – Employee Compensation and State Insurance Fund
Executive Order
• EO 209 –
Family Code
• EO 51 -Milk Code
• EO 180 – Government worker’s CBA
• EO 857 – Compulsory Dollar Remittance Law
• EO – 1 74 – National Drug Policy (availability, affordability or
safe, effective, quality drugs)
 II. NURSING
JURISPRUDENCE/LEGAL
ASPECTS OF NURSING – LAWS
GOVERNING NURSING
Republic Acts
• RA 7164 – Philippine Nursing Act of 1991
• RA 9173- Philippine Nursing Act of 2002
• RA 1080 – Civil Service Eligibility for those who passed board and bar exams
• RA 2328 – Philippine Medical Act
• RA 1612 – Privilege Tax Law – professional tax payment
• RA 5181 – Permanent residence and Reciprocity
• RA 1082 – Rural Health Units all over the Philippines
• RA 4073 – Liberalizes leprosy treatment
• RA 1054 – Free emergency medical treatments to employees and laborers
• RA 4226 – Hospital Licensure Act
• RA 5901 – 40 hours/week for nurses in with 100-bed capacity…
• RA 3573 – Reporting of Communicable Diseases
• RA6111 – Medicare Act
• RA 6675 – Generics Act of 1988
• RA 6713 – Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials/Employees
• RA 6758 – Salary Standardization Law
• RA 7305 – Magna Carta for Public Health Workers
• RA 7277 – Magna Carta of Disabled Persons
• RA 7624 – Drug Education Law
• RA 6972 – Day Care Center for every barangay
• RA 7160 – Local Autonomy Code
• RA 7170 – Organ Donation
• RA 349 – Legalized use of human organs for scientific purposes
• RA 6809 – Amended Article 34 of Family Code, 18 years is majority age
 II. NURSING
JURISPRUDENCE/LEGAL
ASPECTS OF NURSING – LAWS
GOVERNING NURSING
Board Resolution
• No. 633 series of 1984 – ICN Code of Ethics
• No. 1955 s. 1989 – PNA Code of Ethics
• No. 1930s. 1985-CPE for Nurses
• No. 187 s. 1991 – Renewal of Professional license
• No. 217s. 1992 – Delisting of delinquent professionals
Letters of Instructions (LOI)
• LOI 949 – Legal Basis of Primary Health Care
• LOI 100 – Preference given to members of accredited professional organization for employment and seminars
Pronouncements
• Nurse’s Week – last week of October
• National Cancer Consciousness Week – second week of January
• International Women’s Day – March 8
• World Health Day – April 7
• Earth Ray- April 2
• National health Worker’s Day – May 7
• World Red Cross Day – May 8
• International Nurse’s Day – May 12
• World Diabetes Day-June 27
• International Day for Drug Abuse and Child Trafficking -January 2
• World Breastfeeding Day – August 1
• World AIDS Day – December 1
 II. NURSING
JURISPRUDENCE/LEGAL
ASPECTS OF NURSING –
LEGAL ISSUES AFFECTING
NURSES
Responsibility - refers to the execution of duties associated with a nurse’s particular
role. That is, the nurse is responsible for providing care within established standards
of the profession. The responsible nurse demonstrates characteristics of reliability
and dependability.
Accountability - refers to the ability to answer for one’s own actions. The nurse is
accountable to herself most of all. He/she also balances accountability to the patient,
the profession, the employing institution, and society.
Liability - an obligation one has incurred or might incur through any act or failure to
act. - When the nurse fails to meet the legal expectations of care, the client can initiate
action if harm or injury is incurred by the client.
 II. NURSING
JURISPRUDENCE/LEGAL
ASPECTS OF NURSING –
LEGAL ISSUES AFFECTING
NURSES
Professional Negligence The term negligence refers to the commission or omission
of an act, pursuant to a duty, that a reasonably prudent person in the same or similar
circumstances would or would not do, and acting or the non-acting is the proximate
cause of injury to another person or his property.
 II. NURSING
JURISPRUDENCE/LEGAL
ASPECTS OF NURSING –
LEGAL ISSUES AFFECTING
NURSES
Malpractice. Malpractice in the usual sense implies the idea of improper or
unskillful care of a patient by a nurse. It would also see that malpractice also
denotes stepping beyond one's authority with serious consequences.
 II. NURSING
JURISPRUDENCE/LEGAL
ASPECTS OF NURSING –
LEGAL ISSUES AFFECTING
NURSES
Medical Orders, Drugs, and Medications R.A. 6675 states that
only validly registered medical, dental and veterinary
practitioners, whether in private institution/ corporation or in the
government, are authorized to prescribe drugs. Prescriptions made
by unauthorized persons constitute illegal practice of medicine,
dentistry or veterinary medicine and is punishable under R.A.
2832 of the Medical Act of 1959, R.A. 4419 of the Dental Act, and
R.A. 382 or the Veterinary Act.
 II. NURSING
JURISPRUDENCE/LEGAL
ASPECTS OF NURSING –
LEGAL ISSUES AFFECTING
NURSES
Intravenous Therapy and Legal Implications. Nurses now
participate in complex intravenous therapy procedures that were
once performed only by doctors. Because of this change, nurses
must remember that their legal right to give intravenous injections
is based on the Philippine Nursing Act of 1991 Section 28 which
state that "in the administration of intravenous injections, special
training shall be required according to protocol established."
Therefore, nurses have to undertake a certified training course on
intravenous therapy
 II. NURSING
JURISPRUDENCE/LEGAL
ASPECTS OF NURSING –
LEGAL ISSUES AFFECTING
NURSES
Telephone Orders. There are legal risks by telephone orders.
These may be misunderstood or misinterpreted by the receiving
nurse. Sometimes too, messages from telephones may sound
unclear or garbled because of some trouble in the telephone lines.
Most importantly, the signature of the ordering physician is not
present and this order may later be denied incase errors exist or
court litigations arise.
 II. NURSING
JURISPRUDENCE/LEGAL
ASPECTS OF NURSING –
LEGAL ISSUES AFFECTING
NURSES
Consent to Medical and Surgical Procedures. Consent is defined as a “free
and rational act that presupposes knowledge of the thing to which consent is
being given by a person who is legally capable to give consent.” The consent
signed by the patient or his authorized representative/legal guardian upon
admission is for the initial diagnosis and treatment. Subsequent
treatments/operations require individual, informed consent. Before any
medical or surgical procedure can be performed on a patient, consent must be
obtained from the patient or his authorized representative who may be his
parent or guardian. It is only in case of emergency where the consent
requirement does not apply.
 II. NURSING
JURISPRUDENCE/LEGAL
ASPECTS OF NURSING –
LEGAL ISSUES AFFECTING
Nature of Consent. NURSES
Informed consent.
Proof of Consent.
Who Must Consent.
Consent of Minors.
Consent of Mentally ill .
Emergency Situation.
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JURISPRUDENCE/LEGAL
ASPECTS OF NURSING –
LEGAL ISSUES AFFECTING
Types of Consent NURSES
1. Express Consent – may take the form of oral or written
agreement.
2. Implied Consent - exists when the non – verbal
behavior indicates agreement.
 II. NURSING
JURISPRUDENCE/LEGAL
ASPECTS OF NURSING –
LEGAL ISSUES AFFECTING
Elements of Consent NURSES
1. Disclosure
2. Comprehension
3. Competence
4. Voluntariness
 II. NURSING
JURISPRUDENCE/LEGAL
ASPECTS OF NURSING –
LEGAL ISSUES AFFECTING
NURSES
Refusal to Consent. A patient who is mentally and legally
competent (sane mind and of legal age) has the right to refuse to
permit touching of his body or to submit to a medical or surgical
procedure no matter how necessary, nor how imminent the danger
to his life or health if he fails to submit to treatment.
Consent for Sterilization. Sterilization is the termination of the
ability to produce offsprings.
 II. NURSING
JURISPRUDENCE/LEGAL
ASPECTS OF NURSING –
LEGAL ISSUES AFFECTING
NURSES
Medical Records. The value of medical records is both scientific
and legal. As a record of illness and treatment, it saves duplication
in future cases and aids in prompt treatment. The record supplies
rich material for medical and nursing research. It serves as a legal
protection for the hospital, doctor and nurse by reflecting the
disease or condition of the patient and his management
 II. NURSING
JURISPRUDENCE/LEGAL
ASPECTS OF NURSING –
LEGAL ISSUES AFFECTING
NURSES
Common Charting Errors
1. Failing to record relevant health or drug information.
2. Failing to record nursing actions.
3. Failing to record that medications have been given.
4. Recording in the wrong patient’s medical record.
5. Failing to document a discontiued medication.
6. Failing to record drug reactions or changes in the patient’s condition.
7. Transcribing orders improperly or transcribing improper orders
8. Writng illegible or incomplete records
 II. NURSING
JURISPRUDENCE/LEGAL
ASPECTS OF NURSING –
LEGAL ISSUES AFFECTING
NURSES
Charting Standard of Practice.
1. Document all activities and findings in all the nursing process.
2. Do not leave blank spaces.
3. Do not use abbreviations.
4. Follow a “do use list”.
Example:
Use ml instead of cc.
Use less/greater than instead of symbols.
 II. NURSING
JURISPRUDENCE/LEGAL
ASPECTS OF NURSING –
LEGAL ISSUES AFFECTING
Legal Responsibilities ofNURSES
Students. Nursing students are
responsible for acquiring the knowledge and skills necessary to
become a safe practitioner. Included in this knowledge and skill
development is the awareness of ethical principles and the process
of ethical decision making.
 II. NURSING
JURISPRUDENCE/LEGAL
ASPECTS OF NURSING –
LEGAL ISSUES AFFECTING
NURSES
***Incident Reports. The primary purpose of an incident report
is to document and prevent possible consequent injuries.
Classifying an event, as an incident does not imply that someone
made a mistake, it only means that something unusual happened..
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JURISPRUDENCE/LEGAL
ASPECTS OF NURSING –
LEGAL ISSUES AFFECTING
NURSES
 II. NURSING
JURISPRUDENCE/LEGAL
ASPECTS OF NURSING –
LEGAL RESPONSIBILITIES OF
NURSES
Nurses’ Rights
1. Right to be trusted by the public.
2. Right to practice nursing according to standards.
3. Right to participate in and to promote growth of the profession.
4. Right to intervene when necessary to protect clients.
5. Right to be respected for one’s knowledge and abilities.
6. Right to be believed when speaking of his/her expertise.
7. Right to be trusted by colleagues.
8. Right to give and receive guidance/correction from colleagues.
9. Right to be compensated fairly.
 II. NURSING
JURISPRUDENCE/LEGAL
ASPECTS OF NURSING –
LEGAL RESPONSIBILITIES OF
1.
2.
NURSES
Be responsible for one’s own actions.
Protect the rights and safety and patients.
3. Witness informed consent for treatment and procedures.
4. Document and communicate information regarding client care.
5. Refuse to carry out orders that the nurse believes to be harmful to the patient.
6. Perform acts allowed by the nurse’s state NPA.
7. Uphold confidentiality.
8. Perform acts for which the nurse is qualified.
9. Witness a will.
10. Restrain clients only in emergencies to prevent injury to self and others.
 II. NURSING JURISPRUDENCE/LEGAL
ASPECTS OF NURSING – LEGAL
PROTECTIONS IN THE NURSING SERVICE
• Laws and strategies are in place to protect the nurse against
litigation.

Providing safe, competent practice by following the nurse practice act

and standards of practice is a major legal safeguard for nurses.
• Accurate and complete documentation is also a critical component
oflegal protection for the nurse.
 II. NURSING JURISPRUDENCE/LEGAL
ASPECTS OF NURSING – LEGAL
PROTECTIONS IN THE NURSING SERVICE
Competent practice is a major legal safeguard for nurses.

Nurses need to provide care:

1. within the legal boundaries of their practice.
2. within the boundaries of agency policies and
procedures.
3. Nurses must be familiar with their various job
descriptions.
 II. NURSING JURISPRUDENCE/LEGAL
ASPECTS OF NURSING – GOOD
SAMARITAN LAW
Good Samaritan acts are laws designed to protect health care providerswho
provide assistance at the scene of an emergency against claims
of professional negligence.
Guidelines for nurses who choose to render emergency care are as follows:
1. Limit actions to those normally considered first aid, if possible.
2. Do not perform actions that you do not know how to do.
3. Offer assistance, but do not insist.
4. Have someone call or go for additional help.
5. Do not leave the scene until the injured person leaves or another qualified person takes over.
6. Do not accept any compensation.
II. NURSING JURISPRUDENCE/LEGAL
ASPECTS OF NURSING – CODE OF
ETHICS
II. NURSING JURISPRUDENCE/LEGAL
ASPECTS OF NURSING – CODE OF
ETHICS
II. NURSING JURISPRUDENCE/LEGAL
ASPECTS OF NURSING – CODE OF
ETHICS
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ASPECTS OF NURSING – CODE OF
ETHICS
II. NURSING JURISPRUDENCE/LEGAL
ASPECTS OF NURSING – CODE OF
ETHICS
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ASPECTS OF NURSING – CODE OF
ETHICS
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ASPECTS OF NURSING – CODE OF
ETHICS
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ASPECTS OF NURSING – CODE OF
ETHICS
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ASPECTS OF NURSING – CODE OF
ETHICS
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ASPECTS OF NURSING – CODE OF
ETHICS
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ASPECTS OF NURSING – CODE OF
ETHICS
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ASPECTS OF NURSING – CODE OF
ETHICS
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ASPECTS OF NURSING – CODE OF
ETHICS
II. NURSING JURISPRUDENCE/LEGAL
ASPECTS OF NURSING – CODE OF
ETHICS
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ASPECTS OF NURSING – CODE OF
ETHICS
II. NURSING JURISPRUDENCE/LEGAL
ASPECTS OF NURSING – CODE OF
ETHICS
II. NURSING JURISPRUDENCE/LEGAL
ASPECTS OF NURSING – CODE OF
ETHICS
 III. BIOETHICS
I. Fundamentals of Nursing Practice
Ethics - system of moral principles or moral standards governing conduct; a system of rule of
practice applied to a single class of human action (e.g. legal ethics, medical ethics, nursing ethics); a
standard to examine and understand moral life
Professional Ethics - a branch of moral science concerned with the obligations that member of the
profession owes to the public
Health Ethics - division of ethics that relates to human health
Bioethics - a specific domain of ethics that focuses on moral issues in the field of health care
Nursing Ethics - system of principles governing the conduct of nurses; her relationship to the
patient, patient's family, fellow nurses and society. Reinforces the nurse's ideals and motives in order
to maximize the effectivity of their service. Johnston defines nursing ethics as the "examination of
all ethical and bioethical issues from the prospective of nursing theory and nursing ethics"
 III. BIOETHICS
II. Difference between Ethics and Moral
Ethics - moral conduct of the principles underlying the desirable types of human
conduct. It is a science of ideals which guides our judgment concerning morality of
human acts. Whereas;
Moral - refers to the human conduct of ethics; the application of ethics
Ethicist Joseph Fletcher differentiates morality from ethics. He states that morality is
what you believe is right and good while ethics is the critical reflection about
morality and rational analysis about it
 III. BIOETHICS
II. Difference between Ethics and Moral
Ethics - moral conduct of the principles underlying the desirable types of human
conduct. It is a science of ideals which guides our judgment concerning morality of
human acts. Whereas;
Moral - refers to the human conduct of ethics; the application of ethics
Ethicist Joseph Fletcher differentiates morality from ethics. He states that morality is
what you believe is right and good while ethics is the critical reflection about
morality and rational analysis about it
 III. BIOETHICS
II. Difference between Ethics and Moral
Ethics - moral conduct of the principles underlying the desirable types of human
conduct. It is a science of ideals which guides our judgment concerning morality of
human acts. Whereas;
Moral - refers to the human conduct of ethics; the application of ethics
Ethicist Joseph Fletcher differentiates morality from ethics. He states that morality is
what you believe is right and good while ethics is the critical reflection about
morality and rational analysis about it
 III. BIOETHICS
The Four (4) Major Principles ins Bioethics:
1. Principle of respect for autonomy,
2. Principle of nonmaleficence,
3. Principle of beneficence, and
4. Principle of justice.
 III. BIOETHICS
The Four (4) Major Principles ins Bioethics:
1. Principle of respect for autonomy,
2. Principle of nonmaleficence,
3. Principle of beneficence, and
4. Principle of justice.
 III. BIOETHICS
The Four (4) Major Principles ins Bioethics:
1. Principle of respect for autonomy,
2. Principle of nonmaleficence,
3. Principle of beneficence, and
4. Principle of justice.
 III. BIOETHICS
The Four (4) Major Principles ins Bioethics:
1. Principle of respect for autonomy,
2. Principle of nonmaleficence,
3. Principle of beneficence, and
4. Principle of justice.
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