NCNZ Ethical and Legal Frameworks 2 β Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under the End of Life Choice Act 2019, what is the NZ nurse's role regarding assisted dying?
- Nurses may be involved in the process if they choose, but have the right to conscientiously object; they must still provide general care and information (Correct answer)
- All nurses must participate in assisted dying if requested
- Assisted dying is illegal in New Zealand
- Only doctors are involved β nurses play no role
Correct answer: Nurses may be involved in the process if they choose, but have the right to conscientiously object; they must still provide general care and information
Under the End of Life Choice Act 2019, assisted dying is legal in NZ under strict criteria. Nurses may be involved in the process but have the right to conscientiously object. Regardless of personal views, they must continue to provide general nursing care and refer patients for information.
Question 2: What is the NZ legal framework for obtaining consent for a patient who lacks capacity?
- The Protection of Personal and Property Rights Act 1988 provides for welfare guardians, and the Code allows treatment in the best interests of the person (Correct answer)
- Consent from any family member is sufficient
- Treatment cannot be given to anyone who lacks capacity
- The hospital CEO decides on behalf of incapacitated patients
Correct answer: The Protection of Personal and Property Rights Act 1988 provides for welfare guardians, and the Code allows treatment in the best interests of the person
When a patient lacks capacity in NZ, the Protection of Personal and Property Rights Act 1988 provides for welfare guardians and enduring powers of attorney. The Code of Rights allows treatment that is in the best interests of the person, with appropriate safeguards.
Question 3: What is the NZ nurse's obligation under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015?
- To take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of others, and to comply with workplace health and safety policies (Correct answer)
- Health and safety law does not apply to health professionals
- Only the employer has obligations under this Act
- Nurses are exempt from workplace safety requirements
Correct answer: To take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of others, and to comply with workplace health and safety policies
Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, NZ nurses (as workers) must take reasonable care for their own health and safety and ensure their actions don't adversely affect others. They must comply with workplace policies and report hazards.
Question 4: What is the NZ process for a nurse who wishes to be a whistleblower about unsafe practices?
- The Protected Disclosures (Protection of Whistleblowers) Act 2022 protects nurses who report serious wrongdoing through appropriate channels (Correct answer)
- Whistleblowing is illegal in NZ and can result in termination
- Nurses can only report through their union, not directly
- There is no legal protection for whistleblowers in NZ
Correct answer: The Protected Disclosures (Protection of Whistleblowers) Act 2022 protects nurses who report serious wrongdoing through appropriate channels
The Protected Disclosures (Protection of Whistleblowers) Act 2022 protects NZ nurses who report serious wrongdoing (including unsafe practices) through appropriate channels from retaliation by their employer. This includes reporting to NCNZ, the HDC, or other authorities.
Question 5: What ethical framework does the NCNZ Code of Conduct provide for NZ nurses?
- Standards for professional behaviour covering honesty, integrity, respect, safety, and accountability in all aspects of practice (Correct answer)
- Guidelines for social media use only
- Rules about uniform and appearance standards
- A salary negotiation framework for nurses
Correct answer: Standards for professional behaviour covering honesty, integrity, respect, safety, and accountability in all aspects of practice
The NCNZ Code of Conduct sets standards for professional behaviour covering honesty and integrity, respect for persons, responsible and accountable practice, health and safety, professional development, and maintaining public trust in the nursing profession.
Question 6: Under NZ law, what is a coroner's inquest and what is the nurse's obligation?
- A judicial inquiry into the cause of a sudden or unexplained death β nurses must preserve evidence, provide accurate documentation, and may be called as witnesses (Correct answer)
- An annual hospital audit with no relevance to individual nurses
- A process that only involves pathologists and police
- Nurses cannot be called as witnesses in NZ coroner's inquests
Correct answer: A judicial inquiry into the cause of a sudden or unexplained death β nurses must preserve evidence, provide accurate documentation, and may be called as witnesses
A coroner's inquest is a judicial inquiry into the cause of a sudden, unexplained, or unnatural death. NZ nurses must preserve evidence, ensure their documentation is accurate and complete, and may be required to give evidence as witnesses.
NCNZ Ethical and Legal Frameworks 2
Under the End of Life Choice Act 2019, what is the NZ nurse's role regarding assisted dying?