Skip to main content

NURS 812

NURS 812: Healthcare Ethics and Law            

Prerequisite: Graduate Standing or Permission of Instructor

Credit Hours: (2)

Provides analysis of ethical and legal principles of the healthcare profession impacting healthcare delivery systems and consumers. Moral and ethical decision-making, crimes in healthcare, and legal ramifications are studied.

Detailed Description of Content of the Course

This course explores ethical and legal considerations of the healthcare industry, incorporating current and past events pertaining to the health of diverse individuals and populations in the nation. Legality and morality of healthcare decisions are examined from the perspective of healthcare systems, provider responsibilities, and the rights of consumers.

Topical Outline:
1. Malpractice and negligence
2. Crimes that occur in the healthcare setting
3. Ethical dilemmas
4. Morality of patient rights and healthcare decisions

Detailed Description of Conduct of Course

This course is taught in a hybrid instructional format; online teaching and on-campus learning techniques may be utilized. The following teaching strategies will be employed, but are not limited to a focus on the development of knowledge and skills for critical decision-making needed to deliver advanced practice healthcare to individuals and diverse populations across the lifespan.

Goals and Objectives of this Course

Upon completion of this course, the student will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Interpret the principles of health law in care delivery
2. Synthesize the rights and responsibilities of providing patient care
3. Appraise ethical and regulatory issues regarding patient care
4. Consider moral decision-making in the interprofessional healthcare setting

Assessment Measures

Evaluation measures to assess achievement of course objectives may include but is not limited to faculty and student led seminar discussions, lectures, guest speakers, case studies, reading assignments, written projects, quizzes, audio or video presentations, online resources, and other instructional technology strategies as appropriate.

Other Course Information

None

Review and Approval

Approved:  April 2010

May 16, 2023