Includes index.

Ethics -- Legal concepts and the judicial process -- Anatomy of a lawsuit -- Standards of care -- Tort law -- Nursing liability : defenses -- Informed consent and patient self-determination -- Documentation and confidentiality -- Professional liability insurance -- Nurse practice acts, licensure, and the scope of practice -- Advanced nursing practice roles -- Employment laws : corporate liability issues -- Nursing administration and the nurse manager -- Delegation and supervision -- Federal laws : The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and the Civil Rights Act of 1991 -- Acute care settings -- Ambulatory care settings -- Managed care settings -- Community health settings -- Long-term care settings -- Academic settings.