Professional Ethics, Law and Nursing Regulation in Israel
This domain tests the legal and ethical framework of Israeli nursing: licensing under the Nurses Ordinance, scope of practice, consent, confidentiality, mandatory reporting, and end-of-life care.
Core rules
- Practice within the license and scope defined by the Ministry of Health and the Nurses Ordinance.
- Obtain informed consent under the Patient’s Rights Law 1996: explain diagnosis, treatment, risks, alternatives, and consequences.
- A competent adult may refuse treatment, even life-saving treatment; document the refusal and do not coerce.
- Maintain confidentiality; disclose only with consent or when required by law, such as reportable infectious diseases or suspected abuse.
- Follow the Treatment of Terminally Ill Patients Law 2005 for end-of-life decisions and advance directives.
- Report suspected abuse, neglect, or unsafe practice through the required channels.
Worked example
A conscious, competent adult with severe anemia refuses a blood transfusion after receiving a full explanation. Do not obtain consent from the family instead. Confirm capacity, explain consequences, ensure documentation, and continue supportive care. Reason: autonomy and informed consent belong to the competent patient, and family members cannot consent for a competent adult.
Traps
- Accepting family consent for a competent adult.
- Disclosing patient information to relatives without consent.
- Practising outside licensed scope.
- Failing to document refusal and the explanation given.