Topic 4 DQ 1: The Reason For Nursing Standards Of Practice

Topic 4 Dq 1the Reason For Standards Of Practice In Nursing Is To P

The purpose of standards of practice in nursing is to promote, guide, direct, and regulate the professional conduct and delivery of care by nurses. These standards serve as a foundation to ensure that nurses uphold high levels of competence, professionalism, and ethical practice, thereby safeguarding public health and trust in the nursing profession. In Canada, each province establishes specific standards that nurses must adhere to, such as those outlined by the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO). These standards are essential for maintaining legal and professional accountability and serve to protect both the nurse and the patient.

The primary goal of these standards is to provide safe, ethical, and competent nursing care. They define expectations for nurses' roles and responsibilities and emphasize accountability to the public. Nurses are expected to understand their obligations under these standards and practice accordingly, ensuring that patient safety and ethical considerations remain central to healthcare delivery. Practice standards dictate the minimum level of nursing practice required to protect the public and define the scope of nursing responsibilities.

Additionally, specific practice guidelines clarify the behaviors and decision-making processes nurses should follow to make safe and ethical choices in diverse clinical situations. These guidelines help nurses navigate complex ethical dilemmas by outlining professional responsibilities, thereby promoting consistency and quality in patient care.

Within the context of mental health in Ontario, legislative bodies such as the Regulated Health Professions Act, the Mental Health Act, and the Health Care Consent Act play crucial roles. The Mental Health Act provides criteria for the voluntary, involuntary, or informal admission of individuals to psychiatric facilities, ensuring that mental health care is delivered ethically and legally. The Health Care Consent Act establishes rules about capacity, treatment decisions, and consent, ensuring that individuals’ rights are protected and that decisions are made in accordance with their capacity.

The Substitute Decisions Act complements this framework by allowing capable individuals to appoint representatives to make decisions on their behalf if they become incapable. This safeguards patient autonomy while providing mechanisms to ensure their needs are met even when they lose decision-making capacity.

Furthermore, the Health Information Act (2004) emphasizes confidentiality and mandates that health care providers secure patient information and disclose it only with the patient's or their substitute decision maker's consent. In mental health settings, where trust and confidentiality are especially sensitive, adherence to this legislation is vital. It also emphasizes the importance of establishing a patient's admission status—whether voluntary, involuntary, or informal—upon arrival, which influences treatment decisions and legal rights.

Healthcare professionals, including nurses, must adhere strictly to both the standards set out by their professional body and relevant legislation. This compliance ensures that patients' legal rights are protected, especially in mental health settings where patients may be vulnerable or have impaired decision-making capacity. For example, when a patient is admitted involuntarily, nurses must be aware of their responsibilities to uphold legal rights, communicate with patients transparently, and facilitate access to legal representation, such as a Rights Adviser or a lawyer, as needed.

The integration of these standards and laws fosters an environment of respect, safety, and ethical practice, which is essential when working with mental health patients. Nurses must remain informed about legislative changes and professional practice standards to provide competent, legal, and ethical care at all times. Ensuring compliance not only protects patients but also upholds the integrity of the nursing profession and promotes public trust in mental health services.

References

• College of Nurses of Ontario. (2023). Practice Standards and Guidelines. https://www.cno.org/en/learn-about-standards-guidelines/
• Government of Ontario. (1990). Regulated Health Professions Act, 1990. https://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/90r43
• Government of Ontario. (1990). Mental Health Act, RSO 1990, c M.7. https://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/90m07
• Government of Ontario. (2004). Health Information Protection Act. https://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/04h03
• Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. (2015). Mental Health and Addictions Strategy. https://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/public/programs/mental_health/enhanced_service.asp
• Canadian Nurses Association. (2018). Code of Ethics for Registered Nurses. https://www.cna-aiic.ca/en/ethics
• Health Law Institute. (2017). Legal and Ethical Issues in Mental Health Care. University of Alberta. https://law.ualberta.ca
• Office of the Chief Coroner for Ontario. (2021). Mental Health and Deaths. https://www.ontario.ca/en/health_code
• Canadian Mental Health Association. (2020). Legal Rights of Mental Health Patients. https://cmha.ca
• Harper, C., & Lavoie, J. (2016). Ethical and Legal Issues in Mental Health Nursing. Journal of Psychiatric & Mental Health Nursing, 23(8), 542-548.