This thoroughly updated third edition lays a solid foundation for understanding the intersection of law, ethics and the rights of the patient in the context of everyday nursing and health care practice.

Outlining the key legal and ethical principles relevant to nurses, Essential Law and Ethics In Nursing: Patients, Rights and Decision-Making, previously entitled Patients' Rights: Law and Ethics for Nurses, uses an easy-to-read style that conveys key principles in an accessible way. It:

• provides a clear understanding not only of basic legal provisions in health care but also of wider issues relating to human rights;
• covers topics such as ethical decision-making, the regulation of nursing, confidentiality, laws concerning human rights, safe practice, vulnerable people, elder abuse and employment regulations; and
• includes thinking points, case studies and relevant case law to help link theory with practice.

This is essential reading for nurses and an important reference for midwives and allied health professionals.

Paul Buka, MSc (Leic.), PGCE, LL.B (Hons) (Law), FETC (City and Guilds, 7307), HNC (Public Admin law), RN, RNT, ENB 998, ENB 923, MIHM, FHEA, Member of the Institute of Medical Ethics, is lecturer in Adult Nursing at the University of Essex, UK, specialising in healthcare law and ethics. Previously senior lecturer and Programme Lead (Overseas Nursing Programme) at the University of West London, UK. Paul undertook his nurse training in Fife, Scotland, specialising in Trauma and Orthopaedics, with clinical experience in Care of older people, Acute Medicine, Trauma and Orthopaedics and Mental Health. As a ward manager, Paul developed a keen interest in legal studies. He read law at Higher National Certificate, degree and postgraduate levels. He was keen to share with others his specialist interest (in Healthcare Law and Ethics, human rights of vulnerable people) through writing for publication, given the limited texts, on the market at the time which were suitable for students. He started teaching law in Further Education at ILEX Diploma level and subsequently Healthcare Law and Ethics in Higher Education from undergraduate to post-registration/graduate levels. He also gained experience in teaching other aspects of nurse education. Paul has authored and co-authored previous publications in this area.

1.Introducing Ethics in Healthcare 2.Human Rights and the Law 3.Life at the beginning to adulthood 4.Patient Information, Confidentiality and Technology 5.Consent to Treatment and Patient Autonomy 6.First, Do No Harm 7. Vulnerable Adults and Elder Abuse 8.Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity 9.End of Life Care of Decision Making 10. Final Reflection