Modiwl NHS-4238:
Legal and Ethical Concepts
Legal and Ethical Concepts in Health and Social Care 2026-27
NHS-4238
2026-27
School of Health Sciences
20 credits
Module Organiser:
Elizabeth Mason
Overview
Topics may include:
- English and Welsh Legal system,
- Structure and function of the courts in health and social care decisions making.
- Moral theories and ethical principles.
- The position of complaints, negligence, gross negligence and litigation in the NHS.
- Alternative forms of redress/ NHS Redress Act 2006.
- Vicarious liability and organisational responsibility for harm
- Professional fitness to practice.
- Professional accountability in health and social care – patient safety, negligence and litigation, clinical/practice guidelines and the law, expanded roles and competency.
- The rights of the client in health and social care delivery – to include international human rights, informed consent confidentiality and data protection, capacity and best interest decision making / advocacy / Gillick competence, Mental Capacity Act, DoLS and safeguarding.
- Record keeping and documentation / access to information
- Domestic violence and legal / professional responsibilities
Assessment Strategy
-threshold -Threshold – in order to receive a ‘pass’ for the module, students will be required to achieve a minimum of a C- grade and demonstrate knowledge of and an ability to provide some critical analysis of the legal and ethical principles related to the topics covered within the module. A detailed description can be found in the module handbook. -good -Students must demonstrate a very good detailed knowledge of and an ability to provide a good level of critical analysis of the legal and ethical principles related to the topics covered within the module. A detailed description can be found in the module handbook. -excellent -Students must be able to demonstrate a high level of knowledge of and an ability to provide a critical evaluation of the legal and ethical principles related to the topics covered within the module. A detailed description can be found in the module handbook.
Assessment method
Essay
Assessment type
Summative
Description
Critical evaluation of a legal and ethical issue using systematic review
Weighting
100%
Due date
13-08-2021