Legal and ethical issues confronting oncology nursing

OBJECTIVES: To identify and summarize the legal and ethical issues found in the multiple settings in which oncology nurses practice. DATA SOURCES: Lexis, Medline, Westlaw, federal and state laws, government documents, and nursing and medical textbooks. CONCLUSIONS: Oncology nurses face many legal and ethical dilemmas when delivering care. The best defense against litigation is to be knowledgeable about the specific issues found in each setting, the impact these issues have on practice, and requisite risk reduction practices. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: With the advent of new technology, changing state and federal laws, and new court decisions, the ethical and legal issues nurses will encounter when taking care of cancer patients will not remain the same. Continuing education will be essential if nurses are to remain current, lower their legal liability, and deliver quality care.