The Ethics And Legalities Of Medication Error Disclosure

The Ethics And Legalities Of Medication Error Disclosurea

Assignment: The Ethics and Legalities of Medication Error Disclosure American writer Nikki Giovanni once said: “Mistakes are a fact of life. It is the response to the error that counts” (Goodreads, 2012). Whenever you make an error when writing a prescription, you must consider the ethical and legal implications of your error—no matter how seemingly insignificant it might be. You may fear the possible consequences and feel pressured not to disclose the error. Regardless, you need to consider the potential implications of non-disclosure.

How you respond to the prescription error will affect you, the patient, and the health care facility where you practice. In this Assignment, you examine ethical and legal implications of disclosure and nondisclosure of personal error. Consider the following scenario:

• You are working as an advanced practice nurse at a community health clinic. You make an error when prescribing a drug to a patient. You do not think the patient would know that you made the error, and it certainly was not intentional.

To prepare:

• Consider the ethical implications of disclosure and nondisclosure.

• Research federal and state laws for advanced practice nurses. Reflect on the legal implications of disclosure and nondisclosure for you and the health clinic.

• Consider what you would do as the advanced practice nurse in this scenario including whether or not you would disclose your error.

• Review the Institute for Safe Medication Practices website in the Learning Resources. Consider the process of writing prescriptions. Think about strategies to avoid medication errors.

By Day 7 Write a 4- to 6- page paper that addresses the following: APA style with 4-5 references that are less than 5 years old.

• Explain the ethical and legal implications of disclosure and nondisclosure. Be sure to reference laws specific to TEXAS.

• Describe what you would do as the advanced practice nurse in this scenario including whether or not you would disclose your error. Provide your rationale.

• Explain the process of writing prescriptions including strategies to minimize medication errors.

Title page

Intro

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Summary

References

Sample Paper For Above instruction

The ethical and legal considerations surrounding medication error disclosure are critical aspects of nursing practice, especially for advanced practice nurses (APNs) working within specific state legal frameworks like Texas. Disclosure of medication errors involves transparent communication with patients about mistakes that may impact their health and trust. Conversely, nondisclosure, whether intentional or accidental, raises ethical dilemmas and legal risks that can threaten professional integrity and lead to legal repercussions. These considerations necessitate a clear understanding of both ethical principles and state-specific regulations to guide APNs in making informed, morally responsible decisions.

From an ethical standpoint, integrity, honesty, and respect for patient autonomy are fundamental principles that support full disclosure of medication errors. According to the American Nurses Association Code of Ethics (ANA, 2015), nurses are ethically obligated to promote patient safety and communicate truthfully. Nondisclosure can undermine trust, compromise patient safety, and violate ethical commitments to honesty and beneficence. However, some practitioners might fear litigation, damage to reputation, or professional consequences, which can tempt withholding error information. Ethical reasoning, therefore, emphasizes the moral duty to disclose, balancing transparency with the potential for harm or legal consequences.

Legally, the disclosure of medication errors in Texas is governed by federal regulations and state statutes that protect patient rights and mandating transparency. Texas law, specifically under the Texas Medical Liability Act, encourages disclosure and open communication about medical errors to promote patient safety and trust. The Texas Medical Board’s rules uphold the necessity of honesty in patient-provider interactions and emphasize the importance of documentation when errors occur (Texas Medical Board, 2020). Legally, failure to disclose could result in allegations of negligence, malpractice claims, or violation of professional standards, which could jeopardize licensure or lead to legal penalties. Moreover, the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP, 2022) advocates for error disclosure as part of a safety culture that minimizes future mistakes.

In the scenario where I, as an advanced practice nurse, make an error, I would prioritize transparency and patient safety. Based on ethical principles and state laws, I would disclose the mistake to the patient promptly, explaining the nature of the error, potential risks, and the steps being taken to manage it. This approach aligns with the ethical obligation to respect patient autonomy and promotes trust. Additionally, I would document the disclosure thoroughly in the patient’s medical record to ensure transparency and legal protection. I believe that nondisclosure can lead to greater harm in the long term, damaging rapport and increasing legal risks if the error is discovered later.

To minimize medication errors, the process of writing prescriptions must be meticulous, involving multiple verification steps. Strategies include double-checking drug information, verifying patient understanding, and utilizing electronic prescribing systems with built-in alerts for allergies or drug interactions (Crigger & Holcomb, 2008). Implementing standardized protocols, continuous education, and maintaining awareness of high-risk medications are also effective. The ISMP advocates for a culture of safety where open reporting of errors without fear of punishment is encouraged to identify root causes and prevent recurrence (ISMP, 2022).

In conclusion, the ethical and legal responsibilities of medication error disclosure demand transparency, adherence to state laws, and commitment to patient safety. As an APN practicing in Texas, I would disclose a medication error to uphold professional and ethical standards, fostering trust and accountability. Employing robust prescribing protocols and safety strategies can significantly reduce risks, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes and maintaining high-quality care.

References

• American Nurses Association. (2015). Code of ethics for nurses with interpretive statements. ANA.
• Crigger, N., & Holcomb, L. (2008). Improving nurse practitioner practice through rational prescribing. The Journal for Nurse Practitioners, 4(2), 120–125.
• Institute for Safe Medication Practices. (2022). Medication error prevention strategies. ISMP.
• Texas Medical Board. (2020). Rules and regulations. TMB.
• Goodreads. (2012). Nikki Giovanni quotes. Goodreads.