What is Genetic Testing?
Genetic testing is a medical test that looks at your DNA to find out if you have or might develop a
certain disease (like cancer or a genetic disorder). It can also show if you are likely to pass a disease
to your children.
Ethical Issues (What is right or wrong)
1. Informed Consent
People must understand what the test is, what it will show, and what the results mean before they
agree to do it.
2. Privacy
Your genetic information should be kept private. Only you and your doctor should know about it,
unless you choose to share it.
3. Discrimination
Some people worry that if their test shows they might get sick in the future, they could be treated
unfairly by insurance companies or employers.
4. Testing in Children
It may not be right to test children for diseases that will only show up when they are adults. They
should be able to decide when they are older.
5. Reproductive Choices
Some parents may choose to test their baby before birth. If the baby has a genetic problem, they
may decide to continue or end the pregnancy. This raises moral questions.
⚖ Legal Issues (Rules and Laws)
1. Who Can Do the Test
There must be rules about who can give these tests and how they should be done safely and
correctly.
2. Use of Genetic Information
There should be laws to protect your data so that no one can use your test results without your
permission.
3. Right Not to Know
Some people may not want to know if they are likely to get a disease in the future. That choice must
be respected.
4. Blame or Mistakes
If a doctor gives wrong advice based on a genetic test, they could be held responsible in court.
Psychological Issues (How it affects your mind and emotions)
1. Stress and Anxiety
Finding out that you might get a serious disease in the future can make you worried or scared, even
if you’re healthy now.
2. Family Problems
If one person in the family has a genetic problem, others might have it too. This can cause tension or
worry in the family.
3. Change in Self-Image
People may start to think of themselves only in terms of their disease or risk, which can affect their
confidence or happiness.
4. Difficult Decisions
People may have to make hard choices, like whether to have children or take steps to prevent
disease. This can be emotionally difficult.
Summary:
Genetic testing is useful but comes with important issues:
Ethical: Is it right or wrong?
Legal: What does the law say?
Psychological: How does it affect your mind?
We must be careful and respectful when using genetic tests and always provide support to the
person being tested.
Here's an overview of the Code of Professional Conduct (INC):
Code of Professional Conduct (INC)
1. Responsibility to the Patient
Provide safe, competent, and ethical care.
Maintain confidentiality of patient information.
Obtain informed consent before any procedure.
Respect the dignity, culture, and rights of patients.
Avoid discrimination based on caste, creed, religion, gender, or socioeconomic status.
2. Responsibility to the Profession
Uphold the standards of the nursing profession.
Maintain and improve professional competence through continued education.
Avoid any behavior that may bring disrepute to the profession.
Report unethical or illegal professional conduct to appropriate authorities.
3. Responsibility to the Co-workers
Cooperate with healthcare team members to ensure holistic care.
Treat colleagues with respect and professionalism.
Avoid undermining the reputation or work of co-workers.
4. Responsibility to the Society
Participate in health promotion and disease prevention.
Work to eliminate health inequalities and advocate for public health.
Be aware of societal needs and contribute to community welfare.
5. Responsibility to the Employer
Adhere to institutional rules and regulations.
Use institutional resources judiciously and avoid misuse.
Be punctual, responsible, and accountable in duties.
6. Personal Conduct
Demonstrate integrity, honesty, and compassion.
Avoid substance abuse or any form of misconduct.
Dress appropriately and maintain personal hygiene.
7. Legal Obligations
Be aware of relevant laws such as the Nursing Council Act, Drugs and Cosmetics Act, Consumer
Protection Act, and others.
Practice within the legal scope of nursing.
Document nursing care accurately and legally.
Independent Practice Issues – Easy Summary
1. What is Independent Practice?
Nurses who work for themselves, not for hospitals or clinics, are in independent practice. They must
still follow all nursing rules and standards.
2. Scope of Service
Nurses must clearly explain:
What services they offer,
What they don’t do, and
When they’ll refer clients to other professionals.
3. Conflict of Interest
Nurses must always put the client’s needs first, not personal gain.
Example: Don’t sell products to your clients—it can look like you're doing it for money, not care.
4. Endorsement
Nurses shouldn’t use their position to promote or support any product or brand. It could mislead
people.
5. Advertising
Nurses can advertise their services (e.g., in newspapers or business cards), but it should be honest
and professional.
6. Fees
The nursing college doesn’t set prices, but:
Don’t charge false or unfair fees.
Don’t promise discounts for quick payments.
Check what others with similar skills charge.
7. Informed Consent
Nurses must explain any treatment clearly and get permission before doing it.
8. Documentation
Keep detailed, accurate records of all care given. This shows what care was done and why.
9. Confidentiality
Keep all client information private—only share if the client agrees or if the law says you must.
10. Business Matters
Nurses can register their practice as a business.
They should talk to a lawyer before starting.
They should buy insurance for protection in case something goes wrong.
Joining support groups can help with advice and peer help.
Independent Nurse Midwifery Practitioner (INMP) – Easy Summary
An Independent Nurse Midwifery Practitioner is a qualified nurse who has special training in
midwifery (care during pregnancy, childbirth, and after delivery) and works independently, not under
a hospital or doctor.
Key Points:
1. Who Are They?
A nurse with midwifery training who works on their own—can run a clinic or visit clients at home.
2. What Do They Do?
Give care to pregnant women
Help during childbirth
Provide postnatal care (after birth)
Give family planning and health advice
3. Scope of Practice:
They must define clearly:
What midwifery services they offer
When to refer to doctors or hospitals (e.g., in emergencies)
4. Legal and Professional Rules:
Must follow nursing laws and midwifery guidelines
Keep records, maintain confidentiality, and get informed consent
Avoid conflict of interest and not sell or promote products to clients
5. Practice Setup:
Can register their service as a business
Should get legal advice
Must have liability insurance
Can join midwife networks or support groups
Standards Required for a Midwifery Practitioner
Midwifery practitioners must follow certain professional standards to ensure safe, respectful, and
quality care for mothers and newborns.
Key Standards:
1. Professional Qualification
Must be a Registered Nurse with Midwifery training (such as ANM, GNM with midwifery, or BSc
Nursing with midwifery).
Must be licensed by the nursing council.
2. Safe and Evidence-Based Practice
Use scientific knowledge and best practices in maternity care.
Follow standard treatment protocols and safe delivery guidelines.
3. Informed Consent
Always explain procedures clearly.
Take permission from the woman before giving care or doing any procedure.
4. Respectful Maternity Care
Treat women with dignity, privacy, and respect.
No verbal or physical abuse.
Support emotional and cultural needs.
5. Timely Referral
Know when to refer to a doctor or hospital, especially in emergencies (e.g., bleeding, prolonged
labor, high blood pressure).
6. Confidentiality
Keep all patient information private and secure.
7. Record Keeping
Maintain complete, accurate, and updated records of all care given, including ANC, delivery, and
postnatal care.
8. Health Education & Counselling
Give advice on nutrition, breastfeeding, newborn care, family planning, and danger signs.
9. Emergency Care
Must know basic emergency care for mother and baby (e.g., newborn resuscitation, managing
bleeding).
10. Professional Ethics
Follow nursing/midwifery code of ethics
Avoid any conflict of interest (like promoting products or accepting gifts).