Advanced practice nursing in all specialties is guided by codes of ethics that put the care, rights, duty, health, and safety of the patient first and foremost.

The ethical and legal basis of PMHNP care. NURS 6660 – Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner role I: child and adolescent. Walden University| NURS 6660 – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Role I: Child and Adolescent | Walden University

The topic: Consent and capacity

The ethical and legal implications of informed consent and capability are crucial for PMHNPs. Informed consent and capacity are discussed in the selected articles for children and adults.

Adults must be adequately informed about their conditions, proposed treatments, potential risks, and benefits. On the other hand, for children/adolescents, the ethical consideration is to ensure that the assent process is developmentally appropriate and the parents or guardians have given informed consent.

In terms of legal issues, these articles emphasize the importance for PMHNPs following state laws that govern informed consent and the capacity to give consent. In certain states, minors can consent to treatment with informed consent, but in others, guardians or parents must consent. Additionally, the articles discuss the importance of documenting the informed consent process in the patient’s medical record.

The information I provide here is relevant to my practice as a PMHNP, which takes place in Virginia. There, the law permits minors to consent to certain mental health treatments, including outpatient care and medications. It is still important that patients understand the options for treatment and any potential benefits and risks. As a PMHNP, I must also document the informed consent process in the patient’s medical record, including the information provided to the patient and any questions asked.

References:

• Swanson, J. W., Swartz, M. S., Elbogen, E. B., Van Dorn, R. A., Ferron, J., & Wagner, H. R. (2007). A randomized study of an intervention that encourages advance treatment planning for people with psychiatric disorders.