Professional Responsibility Flashcards

Under NZ law, what happens if a nurse practises without a current annual practising certificate (APC)?

Answer: They are committing an offence under the HPCA Act and may face prosecution and disciplinary action

Under the HPCA Act, practising nursing without a current APC is an offence. The nurse may face prosecution, fines, and disciplinary proceedings through the Health Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal.

What is the role of the Health Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal (HPDT) regarding NZ nurses?

Answer: To hear and determine disciplinary charges against nurses for professional misconduct or incompetence

The HPDT is an independent tribunal that hears and determines charges of professional misconduct or incompetence against registered health practitioners, including nurses. It can impose penalties ranging from censure to cancellation of registration.

What is the NZ nurse's obligation under the Treaty of Waitangi / Te Tiriti o Waitangi?

Answer: To practise in a culturally safe manner that respects Māori health perspectives and addresses health inequities

NZ nurses have a professional obligation to practise in a culturally safe manner, acknowledge the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi (partnership, participation, protection), and work to address health inequities experienced by Māori.

What must a NZ nurse do if they are charged with a criminal offence?

Answer: Notify the Nursing Council of New Zealand as soon as reasonably practicable

Under the HPCA Act and NCNZ requirements, nurses must notify the Nursing Council as soon as reasonably practicable if they are charged with, convicted of, or plead guilty to a criminal offence, as it may affect their fitness to practise.

What is the NZ nursing standard regarding documentation of patient care?

Answer: All nursing assessments, interventions, and outcomes must be accurately and contemporaneously documented

NZ nursing standards require that all assessments, care plans, interventions, and outcomes are accurately documented at the time they occur (contemporaneous documentation). This is both a professional standard and a legal requirement.

Under the HPCA Act, what is a 'competence review' and when might NCNZ order one?

Answer: An assessment of a nurse's competence, ordered when concerns arise about their ability to practise safely

A competence review is an assessment of a nurse's clinical competence ordered by NCNZ when concerns are raised about their ability to practise safely. It may result in conditions on practice, a competence programme, or suspension.