By Patricia J Staunton AM RN CM LLB MCrim, Mary Chiarella AM RN RM LLB (Hons) PhD (UNSW) FACN FRSM

First published in 1985, Law for Nurses and Midwives continues to provide the most comprehensive and practical nursing text available to assist nurses and midwives to practise professionally and safely.

The book is designed to support the reader to apply relevant legal, ethical and regulatory principles to their day-to-day clinical practice. For example, when students are starting a surgical placement, they can find the latest practical legal advice on consent; when they are on a medical placement, they can refer to the chapter on medications.

This tenth edition is fully updated and incorporates legislative changes of all relevant practice areas in all states and territories in Australia. Ideal for students undertaking a diploma, bachelor’s or postgraduate degree, it will remain relevant throughout their careers as an invaluable reference guide that enhances the provision of safe, quality healthcare in Australia.

Comprehensive and fully updated guide to the laws, codes and regulations that govern nursing and midwifery practice

Includes relevant case law and hypothetical examples ― shows how legal principles directly relate to daily clinical practice

Legal, ethical and regulatory concepts introduced in an engaging way ― easy to read and understand

Includes practical considerations of ethical decision-making

Logical sequencing and flow of information, with end-of-chapter review questions and key points boxes to support learning

Cases and case examples throughout demonstrate concepts and application to practice

New to this edition

Covers hot topics including voluntary assisted dying, changes to organ and tissue transplantation and donation, and updated discussion on codes of ethics and codes of conduct

Provides the most comprehensive guide to mental health legislation of any text available for undergraduate and postgraduate nurses and midwives in Australia

Instructor and student ancillaries including multiple-choice questions and answer guidance for chapter questions

Content relevant to enrolled nurses

Instructor resources on Evolve:

Case studies

Model answers to end-of-chapter review questions

Student and Instructor resources on Evolve:

Multiple-choice questions