R156-31b-703a. Standards of Professional Accountability

The following standards apply equally to the LPN, RN, and APRN licenses. In demonstrating professional accountability, a licensee shall: (1) practice within the legal boundaries that apply to nursing; (2) comply with applicable statutes and rules; (3) demonstrate honesty and integrity in nursing practice; (4) base nursing decisions on nursing knowledge and skills, and the needs of patients; (5) seek clarification of orders when needed; (6) obtain orientation and training competency when encountering new equipment and technology or unfamiliar care situations; (7) demonstrate attentiveness in delivering nursing care; (8) implement patient care, including medication administration, properly and in a timely manner; (9) document any care provided; (10) communicate to other health team members relevant and timely patient information, including: (a) patient status and progress; (b) patient response or lack of response to therapies; (c) significant changes in patient condition; and (d) patient needs; (11) take preventive measures to protect patient, others, and self; (12) respect patients' rights, concerns, decisions, and dignity; (13) promote a safe patient environment; (14) maintain appropriate professional boundaries; (15) contribute to the implementation of an integrated health care plan; (16) respect patient property and the property of others; (17) protect confidential information unless obligated by law to disclose the information; (18) accept responsibility for individual nursing actions, competence, decisions, and behavior in the course of nursing practice; (19) maintain continued competence through ongoing learning and application of knowledge in each patient's interest; and (20) comply with the American Nurses Association (ANA) Code of Ethics for Nurses, 2015 edition, which is incorporated by reference.