Regulatory statutes and issues--clinical accountability in perioperative settings

Nursing regulations exist to protect and benefit the health, safety, and welfare of the individual. Accountability is a multifaceted concept with many interpretations. All nurses are expected to engage in professional role activities appropriate to their education, experience, and position. Ultimately, nurses are accountable to themselves, their patients, and their peers for their professional nursing actions. This article addresses regulatory statutes and other issues of importance in the perioperative setting, including ethical and legal considerations, patient advocacy, delegation of tasks to unlicensed assistive personnel, and selected expanded roles in perioperative nursing practice.