5.1 Introduction
Learning Objectives
- Identify safety/protective interventions for the client and others
- Identify safety/protective concerns for the nurse
- Explain the nurse role as a collaborative advocate for the health needs of the community
- Support diversity across the lifespan in client-centered care
- Explore the nurse’s role and legal and ethical responsibilities when providing care to clients with mental health disorders
Mental health nursing requires a deep understanding of the legal and ethical principles that guide safe, compassionate, and equitable care. This chapter explores the foundational concepts that shape ethical decision-making based on the American Nurses Association publication, Code of Ethics for Nurses.[1] It also reviews legal considerations specific to psychiatric settings, such as involuntary commitment, competency, mandatory reporting, duty to warn, and the use of seclusion and restraints during mental health treatment. By understanding these guidelines, nurses are prepared to advocate for their clients, uphold professional standards, and navigate the delicate balance between respecting individual freedoms and ensuring safety.
- American Nurses Association. (2025). Code of ethics for nurses. American Nurses Association. https://codeofethics.ana.org/provisions ↵
