- Capability - patients' ability to perform their Data protection is the act of protecting both sensitive

personal tasks, often measured using functional and personal sensitive information to unauthorized
measures. access and use
- Comfort - relief from physical and emotional
suffering, often exacerbated by illness. ● Sensitive information, such as social security
- Calm - normal living condition, allowing patients numbers, financial account numbers, passwords and
to live normally while receiving care, especially authentication credentials, and intellectual property, is
crucial for those with chronic or long-term at risk
conditions. ● Personal sensitive information, including names,
- Improved care outcomes in capability, comfort, and home addresses, medical records, phone numbers,
calm are a result of the efficacy and empathy of dates of birth, race, ethnic origin, sexual
healthcare, rather than its hospitality. orientation, and more, can be mishandled,
emphasizing data protection
b. Issues involving Access to Care
- Access to health care means having "the timely Data protection allows employees to share shared
use of personal health services to achieve the logical and physical address spaces safely
best health outcomes"
- In order to understand what issues are involved ● The logical address space- apps
with regards to access to care, we must first ● a physical address space - device
determine the elements of access to healthcare
according to the Agency for Healthcare Three key attributes describe security: availability,
Research and Quality (AHRQ) in 2018. integrity, and confidentiality
● Availability: preventing unauthorized actors from
Elements of Access to Healthcare (AHRQ, 2018): withholding information, such as during a ransomware
● Coverage in healthcare improves access to care, attack. (New amsterdam)
reducing uninsured individuals' health status. (AHRQ, ● Integrity and confidentiality: concerned with
2018) keeping information private, undamaged, and safe from
● Services from usual sources lead to recommended hostile parties. External dangers are classified as
screening and prevention. (AHRQ, 2018) indirect or direct
● Timeliness ensures timely healthcare (AHRQ, 2018)
● Workforce ensures competent, qualified care. ● Indirect: Examples include trojans, worms, and
(AHRQ,2018) computer viruses.
● Direct: A hacker's targeted attack.
Issues on access to healthcare: While protection and security work toward the same
- ‘’Bahala na’’ mentality drains our healthcare system. goal of a secure and effective system, they deal with
Shortage of healthcare workers, limited access to different risks
health care facilities, and high out pocket expenses for ● Protection: a system-specific strategy for dealing
hospitalization and healthcare needs are among the with dangers and
problems that we face because of the ‘’bahala na’’ ensuring proper operation.
mentality. ● Security: deployed to manage external system risks
- In addition to a shortage of healthcare providers, to keep the system running well.
there is a lack of hospital beds and medical equipment
in the Philippines. In particular, there is a shortage of Specifically, security is an approach to protecting user
doctors and equipment in rural areas and poorer and system resources from unauthorized external
provinces. entities in terms of functioning. On the contrary,
protection establishes a guideline for managing
Ethical Issues related to Technology access to data, processes, programs, and other
resources (Udan et al., 2023).
in the Delivery of Healthcare
A. Data Protection and Security The main difference between security and protection is
policy.
● Security policy: The system administrator assesses b. Personal Information Controller: It refers to the
whether a person may utilize a system. individual or organization that has authority over the
● Protection policy: determines the user's access to gathering, retaining, processing, and use of
particular data resources. personal data. (Ex. healthcare providers, hospitals).
c. Personal Information Processor: Any natural or
juridical person qualified to act as such under this Act
Individuals and organizations to whom a personal information controller may
- giving rights to a person; outsource the processing of personal data pertaining to
- encryption keys; a data subject. (Ex. IT professionals).
- electronic signatures; and d. Consent of Data Subject: It refers to any voluntarily
- data vaults; provided, informed statement of will that the individual
consents to the gathering and processing of his or her
External threat defense systems personal information (Ex. written consent form).
- firewalls; e. Personal Information: Information that can be
- antivirus software; and reasonably or directly ascertained to an individual, or
- eliminate users no longer authorized to use the when put together with other information would directly
systems. and certainly identify an individual.
f. Sensitive Personal Information: Information about
Implications to Practice an individual’s race, ethnic origin, marital status, age,
- Healthcare services rely primarily on the open color, and religious, philosophical or
sharing of information between anyone political affiliations, education, health record, criminal
involved, whether they are clients, healthcare record, & etc. (Ex. health information from check-
professionals, or health institutions. ups/documented findings from health
assessments).
- Clients are more likely to provide complete and g. Information and Communications System: A
accurate data when they believe their system for generating, sending, receiving, storing or
information is safe and secure in the hands otherwise processing electronic data messages or
of their healthcare provider. electronic documents and includes the computer
system or other similar device by or which data is
Data privacy measures ensure that the client's recorded, transmitted or stored (Ex. EHR/electronic
information remains safe and secure. It assures that health record).
their data is always secure and not exposed to risks
and vulnerabilities such as: Data subjects are entitled to exercise the following
● unauthorized access; rights:
● processing; 1. Right to be informed
● sharing; and 2. Right to access
● disclosure (Udan et al., 2023). 3. Right to object
DATA PRIVACY ACT OF 2012 4. Right to erasure or blocking
Republic Act No. 10173 or the Data Privacy Act of 5. Right to rectify
2012 6. Right to data portability
- is the law that protects personal information of 7. Right to damages
an individual that is gathered and handled by 8. Right to file a complaint
the information or communication systems of
the government or private sectors (National Who oversees the DPA?
Privacy Commission, 2012). - The National Privacy Commission is mandated
This act is consisted of different concepts, some are to monitor the implementation of DPA.
the following; - All types of information processes should be
a. Data Subject: Individual whose personal information following the rules and regulations set in DPA.
is processed (Ex.clients, patients). - Should be followed whether the actors involved
in the process are natural or juridical persons in
nature.
Natural: pertains to a person as a single human being. - The processing is necessary for the purposes
Juridical: pertains to an entity or a fictitious person of medical treatment; and
- Healthcare members involved must have
Data Privacy Officer minimum and essential access to the health
- DPO ensures that information collected or records of recipients in order to execute tasks.
circulated within an organization's records or
database is processed in compliance with the Notify data subjects of the following information before
Data Privacy Act. entering personal information into a processing system:
- PIC's and PIP's should be obliged to appoint a 1. Description of the personal data
DPO which is a legal requirement. - sensitive personal information
- Data Privacy Officers should be registered to 2. Purpose for which data will be processed
the National Privacy Commission. - goal sa pagcollect ng information
3. Basis for processing, especially when it is not based
Privacy Notice on consent
- Known as Privacy Policy - related sa purpose
- Statement from PIC's or PIP's on how they will 4. Scope and method of the personal data processing
handle the processed information, including the 5. Recipients to whom data may be disclosed
collection, - sino lang ang pwedeng mag access
6.Methods used for automated access by the recipient
Privacy Impact Assessment and the extent to which such access is authorized
- A tool used to assess the possible privacy - may limitations dapat ang naaccess sa kanilang
impacts of a process, information system, or information
other initiative that handles personal data. 7. Identity and contact details of PIC or its
1.Project/System Description representative
2.Threshold Analysis 8. The duration for which data will be stored
3.Stakeholders Engagement - hanggang kailan maisstore
4.Personal Data Flows 9. Existence of the rights of the data subjects
5.Privacy Impact Analysis
6.Privacy Risk Management Retention of personal data shall only
7.Recommended Privacy be for as long as necessary:
Solutions - for the fulfillment of the declared, specified, and
legitimate purpose;
Privacy Management Program (PMP) - for the establishment, exercise, or defense of
- Holistic approach to privacy and data protection legal claims; or
- Ensures compliance with the set privacy laws - for legitimate business purposes, which must
and regulations, specifically by the DPA be consistent with standards followed by the
- It would help safeguard the reputations of either applicable industry or approved by the
organizations and individuals appropriate Government agency.

Guidelines in collecting, processing and accessing How may personal data be disposed of?
personal data - It must be disposed securely in order to avoid
- The data subject has given their consent, additional processing, unauthorized access, or
specific to the purpose prior to the processing; disclosure to third parties.
- Anyone involved in healthcare delivery must - Data disposal should be performed based on
gather only the required personal an organization’s retention policy.
information;
- It is necessary to protect the life and health Data disposal methods
of the data subject and he/she is not legally or - Data anonymization
physically able to express consent prior to the - Data deletion
processing; - Data crypto shredding
 - Data degaussing (weakening the magnetic field 3. Can I publicly disclose the identities of COVID-19
to dispose data) patients?
- Data destruction COVID-19 Patient Contact Tracing
• No public identity disclosure required.
Data Privacy Act of 2012 penalizes improper disposal • DPA doesn't hinder tracing or data processing.
of personal information and sensitive personal
information.
Penalty for improper disposal of personal information
(IDPI) Benefits and challenges of technology
- imprisonment ranging from six months to two - Technology has its advantages on the health
years care system primarily on streamlining the
- a fine of PHP 100,000 to PHP 500,000 services and makes the workload of healthcare
(Republic Act 10173 - Data Privacy Act of 2012 professionals lighter and more efficient.
- National Privacy Commission, 2022).
1. Improve care coordination
- Information should not be in jargons for better - act of organizing patient care
understanding of the patient - ex. IoT wearable devices(ex. heart rate
- information can be withdrawn if a patient wants watch, fitness apps)-challenge is
to. accuracy
- electronic health record (universal
Penalty for improper disposal for sensitive personal healthcare)-lahat ng healthcare
information (IDSPI) providers ay kaya maaccess yung
- imprisonment ranging from one to three years document ng patient para sa continuity
- a fine of PHP 100,000 to PHP 1,000,000 of care.
(Republic Act 10173 - Data Privacy Act of 2012 - telemedicine (practice of medicine using
- National Privacy Commission, 2022). gadgets)
2. Easy access to patient medical records
Relevant Issues and Concerns of Data Privacy to 3. Reduction in medical errors
COVID-19 Response 4. Better diagnostics and treatment
5. Improved population health management
1. What are the guidelines when conducting contact 6. Greater patient care
tracing? 7. Simplified workflow
DOH Guidelines on COVID-19 Contact Tracing 8. Improved patient education
• Emphasizes data privacy and subjects' rights. 9. Reduced cost
• Balances risks and benefits.
• Ensures fair, lawful, secure data processing. According to Zarif, the challenges of technology in
• Designing processing systems with data privacy in healthcare can be viewed into three categories:
mind. - Healthcare organizations
• Integrating data subjects' rights into the system. - Healthcare provider
• Conducting Privacy Impact Assessment (PIA) to - Patients
identify and resolve risks.
HEALTHCARE ORGANIZATIONS
2. Can I share Information about COVID- 19 patients? Interoperability (easy sharing of data to other
NPC's PHE Bulletin No. 6: Healthcare facility)
• Requires sharing and disclosure of COVID-19 patient - a big concern, raised by the idea of new
data to proper authority. technology.
• Adheres to data privacy principles: transparency, - The expense of technology is one of the most
legitimate purpose, proportionality. significant difficulties for enterprises in terms of
• Allows PICs and PIPs to execute DSAs. installation, and subsequent upkeep.
- kakayahan magshare ng information sa iba't
ibang healthcare facility
 - may possibilities na hindi nagrreflect ang ● Individual Health- related practices
continuity of care. - digital health technologies often include
Data Security self tracking features and restricts
- also an important factor that comes with the human action
challenges of technology in healthcare. ● Interpersonal relationship
- mataas ang possibility na mahack - Health-related use of social media can
- season 4 episode 9 ng New Amsterdam create interpersonal networks that
reinforce specific viewpoints on health
HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS issues, which can potentially harm
- Despite the fact that healthcare technology public health.
offers great opportunities to enhance healthcare ● Organizational policies
outcomes, it also comes with its own - Digital technologies can significantly
challenges: change daily work practices, thereby
- All medical staff must know how to use these altering the structure and function of
technologies properly. organizations.
- The comfort and ease of use of current systems
make users reluctant to change to new Lobbying / Advocating for Ethical Issues in
technology. Healthcare
Advocacy
PATIENTS ● Advocacy means a coordinated combination of
- The necessity to assure appropriate use of problem identification, solution creation, strategy
costly equipment and the moral obligation to development, and actions taken to make positive
use new technology directly contradicts the change.
need to protect patient autonomy. ● In the context of nursing practice, there is a
- Lack of physical patient to doctor interaction. distinction made between “case advocacy” directed at
individual patients. “class advocacy” directed at
Current technology: Issues and dilemmas changing policies and social conditions.
1. Privacy and security
- A growing concern about how this data Case Advocacy
is used, stored, and shared. ● It is well known to nursing professionals, being part
2. Sociotechnical (telemedicine) of the field’s traditions and continuing professional
- Emphasizes interconnectedness of values.
technology and social systems,
highlighting how they co-evolve and Class Advocacy
shape each other. ● It is a more overtly political approach, and is quite
● Application Software different. Instead of focusing mainly on the client’s
- Ensuring the software is effective, fair opportunity choices, class advocacy focuses on
(unbiased), inclusive, transparent about its changing the system of opportunities itself to further
operations and data usage, and respectful of the interests of larger groups, organizations, or
user privacy and security. communities.
● Material Devices and Supply Chains Ethics Example: A mayor in Pampanga, established a dialysis
- Ethical considerations involve fair treatment of center designed to help the poor residents, she said
workers, environmental sustainability, and they will prioritize “ San Fernando residents and poor
responsible sourcing of materials throughout ones, and the services will be free”.
the production and distribution process.
● infrastructures Basis of Nursing Advocacy:
- this refers to the hardware and software 1. Preserving human dignity- privacy regulations, they
needed for digital devices should be mindful of how culture and ethnicity may
- It lacks high-speed internet prevents influence a patient's experience. Generally speaking,
certain communities from accessing nurses are in a unique position that enables them to
digital health care combine all facets of patient care, ensuring that issues
are addressed, standards are upheld, and successful ● In health care, nurses who transition into lobbying
results continue. are well-placed to represent and advocate for their
2. Patient equality- The healthcare industry is patient’s interests.
constantly evolving, with new technology and
regulations affecting care. However, the ANA code of Health Care Lobbyist are employed by:
ethics requires nurses to represent patients 1. Insurance groups
compassionately, respecting their dignity and 2. Drug companies
uniqueness. 3. Specialty organizations
3. Freedom from suffering- Nursing is a profession 4. Public health groups
aimed at helping others by preventing or managing 5. Other who have a stake in health care legislation
suffering, a critical aspect of patient care, and nurses
must be accessible to patients and their families. TOPIC 2: Code of Ethics for Nurses

Nursing Advocacy 1. International Code of Ethics

● May defend a patient’s rights in a general way by - The ICN Code of Ethics for Nurses, a statement
speaking out against policies or action that might of the ethical values, responsibilities, and
endanger their well-being or conflict with rights. professional standards for nurses, serves as a
guide for ethical nursing practice and a
Lobbying regulatory tool to define and direct such
● This to conduct activities that aimed to influence practice. This code was first adopted by the
public officials especially members of a legislative body International Council of Nurses (ICN) in 1953
in legislation. and has undergone several revisions, the most
● To promote something such as a project or to secure recent being completed in 2012. (International
a passage of legislation by influencing the public. Council of Nurses, 2021)
Basic Lobbying Activities Nurses have four fundamental responsibilities:
● Written communication using letters and emails 1. To promote health
● Lobbying visits to the individuals in positions of 2. To prevent illness
authority. 3. To restore health
Lobbyist 4. To alleviate suffering
● It is someone who tries actively to persuade a
Government or Council that a particular law should be - Inherent in nursing is a respect for human
changed or that a particular thing should be done. rights, including cultural rights, the right to life
and choice, to dignity and to be treated with
Lobbying in Nursing respect.
- Transfer of information, the art of persuasion, - Nursing care is respectful of and unrestricted by
the contact and relationship building to push a considerations of age, color, creed, culture,
policy maker for policies that benefit the nursing disability or illness, gender, sexual orientation,
profession communicating nurse’s views on nationality, politics, race or social status.
local state, or national policy issues to the - Nurses render health services to the individual,
elected officials in a timely and effective the family and the community and coordinate
manner, leads to favorable changes in the their services with those of related groups.
quality practice of the profession. - The ICN Code of Ethics for Nurses has four
principal elements that outline the standards of
Health Care Lobbyist ethical conduct: nurses and patients or other
● Can come from any professional or academic people requiring care or services, nurses
background. Nurses, particularly, are well placed to and practice, nurses and the profession,
work in health care lobbying. and nurses and global health.
● Nurses are able to draw upon their experience and
education in patient care and clinical practice. ELEMENTS OF THE CODE
1. Nurses and people
1.1. Nurses’ primary professional responsibility is to that such devices support and do not replace human
people requiring nursing care and services now or in relationships.
the future, whether individuals, families, communities
or populations (hereinafter referred to as either APPLICATION OF THE ELEMENT CODE #1
‘patients’ or ‘people requiring care’). NURSES, NURSE LEADERS, AND NURSE
1.2. Nurses promote an environment in which the MANAGERS
human rights, values, customs, religious and spiritual ● Provide care that respects human rights
beliefs of the individual, families and communities are ● The curriculum includes references to human
acknowledged and respected by everyone. Nurses’ ● Develop position statements and and is
rights are included under human rights and should be sensitive to the values, customs and beliefs of
upheld and protected. people.
1.3. Nurses ensure that the individual and family ● Provide continuing education in ethical informed
receive understandable, accurate, sufficient and timely consent to nursing and/or medical care, and the
information in a manner appropriate to the patient’s right to choose or refuse treatment.
culture, linguistic, cognitive and physical needs, and ● Use recording and information management
psychological state on which to base consent for care systems that ensure confidentiality.
and related treatment. ● Develop and monitor environmental safety in
1.4. Nurses hold in confidence personal information the workplace.
and respect the privacy, confidentiality and interests of
patients in the lawful collection, use, access, EDUCATOR AND RESEARCHERS
transmission, storage and disclosure of ● The curriculum includes references to human
personal information. rights, equity, justice, solidarity as the basis for
1.5. Nurses respect the privacy and confidentiality of access to care.
colleagues and people requiring care and uphold the ● Provide teaching and learning opportunities for
integrity of the nursing profession in person and in all ethical issues and decision making.
media, including social media. ● Provide teaching/learning opportunities related
1.6. Nurses share with society the responsibility for to informed consent, privacy and confidentiality,
initiating and supporting action to meet the health and beneficence and maleficence.
social needs of all people. ● Introduction into curriculum concepts of
1.7. Nurses advocate for equity and social justice in professional values.
resource allocation, access to health care and other ● Sensitize students to the importance of social
social and economic services. action in current concerns.
1.8. Nurses demonstrate professional values such as NATIONAL NURSES ASSOCIATION
respect, justice. responsiveness, caring, compassion, ● Develop position statements and guidelines that
empathy, trustworthiness and integrity. They support support human rights and ethical standards.
and respect the dignity and universal rights of all ● Lobby for involvement of nurses in ethics
people, including patients, colleagues and families. committees.
1.9. Nurses facilitate a culture of safety in health care ● Provide guidelines, position statements,
environments, recognising and addressing threats to relevant documentation and continuing
people and safe care in health practices, services and education related to informed consent to
settings. nursing and medical care.
1.10. Nurses provide evidence-informed, person- ● Incorporate issues of confidentiality and privacy
centered care, recognising and using the values and into a national code of ethics for nurses.
principles of primary health care and health promotion ● Advocate for a safe and healthy environment.
across the lifespan.
1.11. Nurses ensure that the use of technology and 2. Nurses and practice
scientific advances are compatible with the safety, 2.1. Nurses carry personal responsibility and
dignity and rights of people. In the case of artificial accountability for ethical nursing practice, and for
intelligence or devices, such as care robots or drones, maintaining competence by engaging in continuous
nurses ensure that care remains person-centered and professional development and lifelong learning.
2.2. Nurses maintain fitness to practice so as not to ● Establish standards of care and a work setting
compromise their ability to provide quality, safe care. that promotes quality care.
2.3. Nurses practice within the limits of their individual ● Develop appropriate personal relationships with
competence and regulated or authorized scope of patients and colleagues; decline gifts or bribes
practice and use and are sensitive to the values, and avoid conflicts of interest.
customs and use of professional judgment when ● Monitor and promote the personal health of
accepting and delegating responsibility. nursing staff in relation to their competence for
2.4. Nurses value their own dignity, well-being and practice.
health. To achieve this requires positive practice EDUCATOR AND RESEARCHERS
environments, characterized by professional ● Provide teaching /learning opportunities that
recognition, education, reflection, support structures, foster lifelong learning and competence for
adequate resourcing, sound management practice.
practices and occupational health and safety. ● Teach obligations to self as well as obligations
2.5. Nurses maintain standards of personal conduct at to patients and the importance of fitness to
all times.They reflect well on the profession and practice.
enhance its image and public confidence. In their ● Promote the importance of personal health and
professional role, nurses recognise and maintain illustrate its relation to other values.
personal relationship boundaries. NATIONAL NURSES ASSOCIATION
2.6. Nurses share their knowledge and expertise and ● Provide access to continuing education,
provide feedback, mentoring and supporting the through journals, conferences, distance
professional development of student nurses, novice education, that reflect advances in nursing
nurses, colleagues and other health care providers. practice.
2.7. Nurses are patient advocates, and they maintain a ● Inform other disciplines and the public about the
practice culture that promotes ethical behavior and roles of nurses and the values of the nursing
open dialogue. profession. Promote a positive image of
2.8. Nurses may conscientiously object to participating nursing.
in particular procedures or nursing or health-related ● Promote healthy lifestyles for nursing
research but must facilitate respectful and timely action professionals. Lobby for healthy workplaces
to ensure that people receive care appropriate to their and services for nurses.
individual needs.
2.9. Nurses maintain a person’s right to give and 3. Nurses and the profession
withdraw consent to access their personal, health and 3.1. Nurses assume the major leadership role in
genetic information. They protect the use, privacy and determining and implementing evidence-informed,
confidentiality of genetic information and human acceptable standards of clinical nursing practice,
genome technologies. management, research and education.
2.10. Nurses take appropriate actions to safeguard 3.2. Nurses and nursing scholars are active in
individuals, families, communities and populations expanding research-based, current professional
when their health is endangered by a coworker, any knowledge that supports evidence-informed practice.
other person, policy, practice or misuse of technology. 3.3. Nurses are active in developing and sustaining a
2.11. Nurses are active participants in the promotion of core of professional values.
patient safety. They promote ethical conduct when 3.4. Nurses, through their professional organizations,
errors or near misses occur, speak up when patient participate in creating a positive and constructive
safety is threatened, advocate for transparency, and practice environment where practice encompasses
work with others to reduce the potential of errors. clinical care, education, research, management and
2.12. Nurses are accountable for data integrity to leadership. This includes environments which facilitate
support and facilitate ethical standards of care. a nurse’s ability to practice to their optimal scope of
practice and to deliver safe, effective and timely health
APPLICATION OF THE ELEMENT CODE #2 care, in working conditions which are safe as well as
NURSES, NURSE LEADERS, AND NURSE socially and economically equitable for nurses.
MANAGERS 3.5. Nurses contribute to positive and ethical
organizational environments and challenge unethical
practices and settings. Nurses collaborate with nursing 4.1. Nurses value health care as a human right,
colleagues, other (health) disciplines and relevant affirming the right to universal access to health care for
communities to engage in the ethical creation, conduct all.
and dissemination of peer reviewed and ethically 4.2. Nurses uphold the dignity, freedom and worth of all
responsible research and practice development as they human beings and oppose all forms of exploitation,
relate to patient care, nursing and health. such as human trafficking and child labour.
3.6. Nurses engage in the creation, dissemination and 4.3. Nurses lead or contribute to sound health policy
application of research that improves outcomes for development.
individuals, families and communities. 4.4. Nurses contribute to population health and work
3.7. Nurses prepare for and respond to emergencies, towards the achievement of the United Nations
disasters, conflicts, epidemics, pandemics, social Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). (UN n.d.)
crises and conditions of scarce resources. The safety 4.5. Nurses recognise the significance of the social
of those who receive care and services is a determinants of health. They contribute to, and
responsibility shared by individual nurses and the advocate for, policies and programmes that address
leaders of health systems and organizations. This them.
involves assessing risks and developing, implementing 4.6. Nurses collaborate and practice to preserve,
and resourcing plans to mitigate these. sustain and protect the natural environment and are
aware of the health consequences of environmental
APPLICATION OF THE ELEMENT CODE #3 degradation, e.g. climate change. They advocate for
NURSES, NURSE LEADERS, AND NURSE initiatives that reduce environmentally harmful
MANAGERS practices to promote health and well-being.
● Set standards for nursing practice, research, 4.7. Nurses collaborate with other health and social
education and management. care professions and the public to uphold principles of
● Prepare for and respond to emergencies, justice by promoting responsibility in human rights,
disasters, conflicts, epidemics and conditions of equity and fairness and by promoting the public good
scarce resources. and a healthy planet.
● Develop guidelines for workplace issues, such 4.8. Nurses collaborate across countries to develop
as bullying, violence, sexual harassment, and maintain global health and to ensure policies and
fatigue, safety, and incident management. principles for this.
Participate in studies regarding ethics and
ethical workplace issues in every setting. APPLICATION OF THE ELEMENT CODE #3
EDUCATOR AND RESEARCHERS NURSES, NURSE LEADERS, AND NURSE
● Provide teaching / learning opportunities in MANAGERS
setting standards for nursing practice, research, ● Participate in human rights efforts, such as
education and management. trafficking prevention and detection, helping
● Conduct, disseminate and utilize research to vulnerable populations, providing universal
advance the nursing profession. education, and mitigating hunger and poverty.
● Teach identification of unhealthy work ● Educate oneself and colleagues about global
environments and skills to develop healthy health, including current and emergent
workplace communities. technologies. Advocate for the ethical use of
NATIONAL NURSES ASSOCIATION technology and scientific advances compatible
● Collaborate with others to set standards for with safety, dignity, privacy, confidentiality and
nursing education, practice, research and human rights.
management. ● Acquire and disseminate knowledge about the
● Develop position statements, guidelines and negative effects of climate change on people’s
standards related to nursing research. health and on the planet.
● Lobby for fair social and economic working ● Support the ethical and proficient use of social
conditions in nursing. Develop position media and technologies to improve population
statements and guidelines in workplace issues. health consistent with the values of the nursing
profession.
4. Nurses and Global Health
 ● Act on local and global issues that affect health, address climate changes that negatively affect
such as poverty, food security, shelter, the health of populations.
immigration, gender, class, ethnicity, ● Update knowledge and increase awareness
race,environmental health, dignified work, and about the UN SDGs for population health and
education. actively strategize nursing’s participation in
● Embed the concepts of peace, peace achieving these goals.
diplomacy and peace building into everyday ● Collaborate with other national and international
practice. nursing organizations to formulate policies and
EDUCATOR AND RESEARCHERS legislation that address the socio-economic
● Ensure that curricula include human rights, determinants of health.
SDGs, universal access to care, culturally ● Collaborate globally,nationally and regionally
appropriate care, civic responsibility, equity, with governments and nursing agencies to
and social and environmental justice. further the ends of global peace and justice and
● Seek opportunities to evaluate the short and ameliorate the causes of illness.
long-term ethical consequences of the use of
diverse technologies and emerging practices, 2. Codes of Ethics for Filipino Nurses
including innovative equipment, robotics, BOARDS OF NURSING
genetics and genomics, stem cell technologies Board Resolution No. 220
and organ donation. Series of 2004
● Teach about the facts and consequences of PROMULGATION OF THE CODE OF ETHICS FOR
climate change on health and the many REGISTERED NURSES
opportunities to support climate health at policy
and institutional levels. WHEREAS, the Board of Nursing has the power to
● Participate in developing, implementing and promulgate a Code Of Ethics for Registered Nurses in
evaluating new and emerging technologies, coordination and environmental health, dignified work,
including social media, for prevention initiatives, and education. the ends of global peace and justice
public health education, and the health and and ameliorate the causes of illness. consultation with
well-being of populations. Prepare curricula and the accredited professional organizations (Sec 9, (g),
engage in research in support of the UN SDGs. Art III of R.A. No. 9173, known as the Philippine
● Educate about socio-political and economic Nursing Act of 2002);
issues that affect health, including gender,
ethnicity, race, culture, inequality and WHEREAS, in the formulation of Code of Ethics for
discrimination. Research socio-political factors Registered Nurses, the Code of Good Governance for
that contribute to individual and population the Professions in the Philippines was utilized as the
health and illness. principal basis therefore: All the principles under the
● Educate and research for peace diplomacy and said Code were adopted and integrated into Code of
peace building in communities and globally. Ethics as they apply to the nursing profession:

NATIONAL NURSES ASSOCIATION WHEREAS, the promulgation of the said Code as a set
● Collaborate with nursing regulatory bodies, of guidelines, regulations or measures shall be subject
voluntary organizations, and global agencies to to approval by the Commission (Sec 9, Art. II of R.A.
develop position statements and guidelines that No. 9173); and
support human rights, environmental justice
and international peace. WHEREAS, the Board, after consultation on October
● Contribute to legislation and policies on the 23, 2003 at Iloilo City with the accredited professional
ethical use of technology and scientific organization of registered nurses, the Philippine
advances adapted to the health and social Nurses association, Inc (PNA), and other affiliate
norms and context of the country. organizations of Registered Nurses decided to adopt a
● Participate in the development of legislation to New Code of Ethics under the afore-mention new Law:
reduce the impact of hospitals and the
healthcare industry on the environment and
NOW, THEREFORE, the Board hereby resolved as it event of conflicts, their welfare and safety must take
now resolves, to promulgate the hereunder Code of precedence. (Professional Regulation Committee, n.d)
Ethics for Registered Nurses.
ARTICLE III. REGISTERED NURSES AND
ARTICLE I. PREAMBLE PRACTICE
Section 1. SECTION 6.
Health is a fundamental right of every individual. The Ethical Principles
Filipino registered nurse, believing in the worth and 1. Human life is inviolable.
dignity of each human being, recognizes the primary 2. Quality and excellence in the care of the patients are
responsibility to preserve health at all cost. This the goal of nursing practice.
responsibility encompasses promotion of health, 3. Accurate documentation of actions and outcomes of
prevention of illness, alleviation of suffering and delivered care is the hallmark of nursing accountability.
restoration of health. However, when the foregoing are (Professional Regulation Committee, n.d)
not possible, assistance towards a peaceful death shall SECTION 7. Guidelines to be observed:
be his/her obligation. REGISTERED Nurses must
a. know the definition and scope of nursing practice
Section 2. which are in the provisions of R.A. No. 9173, known as
To assume the responsibility, registered nurses have to the “Philippine Nursing Act of 2002” and Board Res.
gain knowledge and understanding of man’s cultural, No. 425, Series of 2003, the “Rules and Regulations
social, spiritual, psychological, and ecological aspects Implementing the Philippine Nursing Act. of 2002”, (the
of illness, utilizing therapeutic processes. Cultural IRR).
diversity and political and socio-economic status are b. be aware of their duties and responsibilities in the
inherent factors of nursing care. practice of their profession as defined in the “Philippine
Nursing Act. Of 2002” and the IRR.
Section 3. c. acquire and develop the necessary competence in
The desire for the respect and confidence of clients, knowledge, skills, and attitudes to effectively render
colleagues, co-workers and the members of the appropriate nursing services through varied learning
community provides the incentive to attain and situations.
maintain the highest possible degree of ethical d. if they are administrators, be responsible in providing
conduct. a favorable environment for the growth and
developments of Registered Nurses in their charge.
ARTICLE II. REGISTERED NURSES AND PEOPLE e. be cognizant that professional programs for specialty
SECTION 4. certification by the BON are accredited through the
Ethical Principles Nursing Specialty Certification Council (NSCC).
1. Values, customs, and spiritual beliefs held by f. see to it that quality nursing care and practice meet
individuals shall be respected. the optimum standard of safe nursing practice.
2. Individual freedom to make rational and g. ensure that modification of practice shall consider
unconstrained decisions shall be resected. the principles of safe nursing practice.
3. Personal information acquired in the process of h. if in a position of authority in a work environment, be
giving nursing care shall be held in strict confidence. normally and legally responsible for devising a system
of minimizing occurrences of ineffective and unlawful
SECTION 5. Guidelines to be observed: nursing practice.
REGISTERED Nurses must: i. ensure that patients’ records shall be available only if
a. consider the individuality and totality of patients they are to be issued to those who are professionally
when they administer care. and directly involved in their care and when they are
b. respect the spiritual beliefs and practices of patients required by law. (Professional Regulation Committee,
regarding diet and treatment. n.d)
c. uphold the rights of individuals.
d. take into consideration the culture and values of SECTION 8.
patients in providing nursing care. However, in the Ethical Principle
Registered Nurses are the advocates of the patients: 2. The Registered Nurse maintains collegial and
they shall take appropriate steps to safeguard their collaborative working relationships with colleagues and
rights and privileges. other health care providers.

Guidelines to be observed: SECTION 12: Guidelines to be observed:

REGISTERED Nurses must REGISTERED Nurses must
a. respect the “Patients’ Bill of Rights” in the delivery of a. maintain their professional role/identity while working
nursing care. with other members of the health team.
b. provide the patients or their families with all pertinent b. conform with group activities as those of the health
information except those which may be deemed team should be based on acceptable ethico-legal
harmful to their well-being. standards.
c. uphold the patients’ rights when conflict arises c. contribute to the health professional growth and
regarding management of their care. development of other members of the health team.
d. actively participate in professional organizations.
SECTION 9. e. not act in any manner prejudicial to other
Ethical Principle professions.
Registered Nurses are aware that their actions have f. honor and safeguard the reputation and dignity of the
professional, ethical, moral, and legal dimensions. members of nursing and other safeguard the reputation
They strive to perform their work in the best interest of and dignity of the members of the members of nursing
all concerned. (Professional Regulation Committee, and other professions; refrain from making unfair and
n.d) unwarranted comments or criticisms on their
competence, conduct, and procedures; or not do
SECTION 10. Guidelines to be observed: anything that will bring discredit to a colleague and to
REGISTERED Nurses must: any member of other professions.
a. perform their professional duties in conformity with g. respect the rights of their co-workers.
existing laws, rules, regulations, measures, and
generally accepted principles of moral conduct and Registered nurses collaborate closely with various
proper decorum. healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurse
b. not allow themselves to be used in advertisement practitioners, physician assistants, and allied health
that should demean the image of the profession (i.e. professionals like physical therapists and social
indecent exposure, violation of dress code, seductive workers.
behavior, etc.).
c. decline any gift favor or hospitality which might be This collaboration ensures comprehensive patient
interpreted as capitalizing on patients. care,with each team member contributing their
d. not demand and receive a patient to a physician, a expertise to improve patient patient outcomes. Nurses
co-nurse to another health care worker; not to pay any often serve as advocates for patients, coordinating
commission, fee or other compensations to the one care plans and commuting with other team members to
referring or recommending a patient to them for nursing ensure continuity of care.
care.
e. avoid any abuse of the privilege relationship which ARTICLE V. REGISTERED NURSES, SOCIETY, AND
exists with patients and of the privilege access allowed ENVIRONMENT
to their property, residence or workplace. (Professional SECTION 13. Ethical Principle
Regulation Committee, n.d)
1. The preservation of life, respect for human rights,
ARTICLE IV. REGISTERED NURSES AND CO- and promotion of a healthy environment shall be a
WORKERS commitment of a Registered Nurse.
SECTION 11. 2. The establishment of linkages with the public in
Ethical Principles promoting local, national, and international efforts to
1. The Registered Nurse is in solidarity with other meet health and social needs of the people as a
members of the healthcare team in working for the contributing member of society is a noble concern of a
patient’s best interest. registered nurse.
 4. Contribution to the improvement of the socio-
SECTION 14. economic conditions and general welfare of nurses
Guidelines to be observe: through appropriate legislation is a practice and
REGISTERED Nurses must visionary mission.
a. be conscious of their obligations as citizens and, as
such, be involved in community concerns. SECTION 16:
b. be equipped with knowledge of health resources Guidelines to be observed:
within the community, and take active roles in primary Registered Nurses must
health care. a. be members of the Accredited Professional
c. actively participates in programs, projects, and Organization (PNA).
activities that respond to the problems of society. b. strictly adhere to the nursing standards.
d. lead their lives in conformity with the principles of c. participate actively in the growth and development of
right conduct and proper decorum. the nursing profession.
e. project an image that will uplift the nursing d. strive to secure equitable socio-economic and work
professional at all times. conditions in nursing through appropriate legislation
- Registered nurses are integral to society’s and other means.
healthcare fabric, serving across diverse e. assert for the implementation of labor and work
settings like hospitals, clinics, schools, and standards.
community health centers.
- Their role encompasses promoting health, Nursing is a dynamic and evolving profession that
preventing diseases, and offering care to requires a blend of clinical expertise, critical thinking,
individuals of all backgrounds. compassion, and cultural competence. Registered
- They educate patients and families on health nurses undergo rigorous education and training,
issues, enabling informed decisions and typically earning bachelor of science in nursing (BSN)
contributing to public health initiatives like degree or an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and
vaccination campaigns. Despite varying work passing a licensing exam to practice. Continuing
environments, from fast-paced hospitals to education and certification in specialized areas of
patients homes, nurses face demanding nursing further enhance RN’s knowledge and skills
workloads and exposure to stress. However, throughout their careers. professional organizations,
they find fulfillment in positively impacting lives, such as the American Nurses Association (ANA) and
collaborating with peers, and continual specialty nurses to advance their profession and
professional growth. A supportive work address issues affecting nursing
environment with ample resources and practice, education, and policy.
opportunities for development is crucial for
nurses well-being and job satisfaction.

ARTICLE VI. REGISTERED NURSES AND

PROFESSION
SECTION 15. Ethical Principle:
1. Maintenance of loyalty to the nursing profession and
preservation of its integrity are ideal.
2. Compliance with the by-laws of the accredited
professional organization (PNA), and other
professional
organizations of which the registered nurse is a
member is a lofty duty.
3. Commitment to continual learning and active
participation in the development and growth of the
profession are commendable obligations.