Editorial. Nurses work in care contexts that are subject to legislation.

摘要

Nurses work in care contexts that are subject to legislation. They necessarily grapple with the relationship between the law and the ethics of their practice. In some instances, existing law or proposed legislative changes have the potential to diminish the dignity and well-being of patients and families. This is particularly so in relation to the examples explored in this issue of 'presumed consent' to transplantation, forced treatment in mental health contexts, and euthanasia. This issue also affords the opportunity to reconsider familiar concepts, such as medical futility, advocacy and self-concept, offering new insights and, potentially, new approaches to nursing practice.