title: Legal aspects of psychiatric nursing.
abstract: In attempting to practice within legal limits, psychiatric nurses must demonstrate safe and acceptable clinical practice. Clinical standards and legal standards change over time, and it can be difficult to be aware of all the changes that occur. Ways exist to minimize the risk of litigation, however. Keeping focused on the patient and attempting to provide the best clinical care possible should guide practice, not fear of litigation. It is wise to be familiar with the law, institutional policies, and professional standards, but nothing can replace sound clinical judgment.
authors.affiliation: Child and Adolescent Services, Harris County Psychiatric Center, 2800 South MacGregor Way, Houston, TX 77021, USA. lbarloon@mind.hcpc.uth.tmc.edu
authors.forename: Linda Funk
authors.initials: LF
authors.lastname: Barloon
mesh_terms: D005555:Forensic Psychiatry / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D006801:Humans; D016365:Liability, Legal; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000451:nursing*; D028701:Patient Rights / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D011568:Psychiatric Nursing / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D014481:United States