Medicolegal Issues

Medicolegal Issues

The practice nurse role is constantly adapting and expanding and this brings increasing responsibility. It is important that we understand the implications of litigation and that we remain constantly vigilant and mindful to protect ourselves as nursing professionals, honouring our professional code of conduct and working within our realms of competence.¹ While our GP employers may have legal responsibility for any actions or omissions of their employees (vicarious liability) it has always been advised that nurses have their own indemnity arrangement and keep this updated.² Importantly, it is a legal requirement for nurses to hold an appropriate indemnity arrangement in order to be registered with the NMC.

This resource, consisting of five assessment questions at basic level, tests your knowledge of medicolegal issues relevant to the day-to-day work of practice nurses. Complete the resource, including reading the featured articles and undertaking some or all of the activities, to obtain a certificate for one hour of continuing professional development to include in your annual portfolio.

Learning outcomes

After studying the MCQs you will be able to:

• Understand the legal imperative for working within your competency
• Appreciate the importance of facilitating informed consent
• Identify key issues for maintaining good medical records
• Recognise the importance of caution when addressing patient confidentiality
• Understand the principles supporting safe, effective telephone triage
• Appreciate the need for timely and appropriate referral

References

1. Nursing and Midwifery Council. The Code:  professional standards of practice and behavious for nurses, midwives and nursing associates; 2015

https://www.nmc.org.uk/standards/code/

2. Medical Protection Society. Nursing jeopardy Your Practice 2011;5 (4)

https://www.medicalprotection.org/uk/your-practice-october-2011/nursing-jeopardy

3. NMC. Professional indemnity arrangement; (updated 2022)

https://www.nmc.org.uk/registration/joining-the-register/professional-indemnity-arrangement/