(a) Accountability. The RN/LPN shall: - (i) Practice within the legal boundaries for nursing through the scope of practice authorized in the Nurse Practice Act (NPA) and the Board Rules;
- (ii) Demonstrate honesty, integrity and ethical behaviors in nursing practice;
- (iii) Base nursing decisions on nursing knowledge, evidence-based practice, skills, standards, and the needs of the clients;
- (iv) Accept responsibility for judgments, individual nursing actions, competence, decisions and behavior in the course of nursing practice;
- (v) Seek clarification of orders or direction when needed;
- (vi) Maintain competence through ongoing learning and application of knowledge in nursing practice;
- (vii) Participate in the evaluation of nursing practice through quality and safety activities, including peer review;
- (viii) Take preventative measures to protect the client, others, and self;
- (ix) Participate in the development of continued competency in the performance of nursing care activities for nursing personnel and students; and
- (x) Report violations of the Nurse Practice Act or Rules by self or other licensees. Report unsafe conditions for practice to recognized legal authorities.
(b) Client Advocacy. The RN/LPN have the responsibility for the client and shall: - (i) Conduct practice without discrimination on the basis of age, race, religion, sex, life style, national origin, culture, medical diagnosis, or disability;
- (ii) Respect the dignity and rights of clients and their significant others, regardless of social or economic status, personal attributes, culture or nature of health problems;
- (iii) Maintain client confidentiality unless obligated by law to disclose the information;
- (iv) Maintain appropriate professional boundaries, including sexual boundaries;
- (v) Promote a safe and therapeutic environment by;
- (A) Monitoring and surveillance of the care environment;
- (B) Identifying unsafe care situations; and
- (C) Correcting problems or referring problems to appropriate management level when needed.