The registered psychiatric nurse practices according to the expectations and within the limitations defined by provincial and federal statutes that relate to the role of the registered psychiatric nurse.

Rationale:
A knowledge of the legal boundaries defined by society as it affects psychiatric/mental health care is necessary if the registered psychiatric nurse is to make accurate, independent, interdependent and dependent judgements concerning the individual's needs and rights.

>Audit Factors:

1. Maintains membership in the Registered Psychiatric Nurses Association of Saskatchewan.
2. Anticipates the legal implications of psychiatric nursing actions.
3. Is accountable for personal actions pertaining to psychiatric nursing practice.
4. Recognizes own nursing limitations and seeks appropriate consultation when necessary.
5. Uses professional judgement in carrying out prescribed nursing and medical orders.
6. Reports, through appropriate channels, actions of health care personnel which are inconsistent with accepted standards of care.
7. Informs the individual and family of rights under the provincial and federal statutes.