What could happen if a nurse disregards a patient's advance directive concerning treatment?

When a nurse disregards a patient's advance directive regarding treatment, the most significant consequence is the potential for disciplinary action by the governing body. Advance directives are legal documents that outline a patient's preferences for medical treatment in circumstances where they can no longer communicate their wishes. Ignoring these directives can be viewed as a violation of the patient's rights and autonomy.

Nurses have a legal and ethical obligation to respect patients' wishes as expressed in advance directives. Failure to do so may lead the governing body, such as the College of Nurses of Ontario, to investigate potential breaches of standards of practice and professional conduct. This can result in disciplinary measures, which could include suspension or revocation of the nursing license, fines, or mandatory education.

While a reprimand from an employer or even criminal charges may arise in serious cases, the primary and more immediate risk associated with disregarding an advance directive lies in the potential disciplinary action from the nursing regulatory body. It's important for healthcare professionals to remain aware of their responsibilities in relation to patient autonomy and legal documents like advance directives to ensure they are upholding the standards of care.