Now in its third edition, this popular textbook equips health care professionals with the tools to navigate legal and ethical challenges effectively.

Grounded in the four principles of biomedical ethics – autonomy, non-maleficence, beneficence and justice – and aligned with the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Codes of Ethics and Codes of Conduct, it provides a clear framework for analysing and approaching complex ethical and legal issues in professional practice.

New to this edition:
- Contributions from a diverse team of new and established co-authors
- Two brand-new chapters on dispensing and prescribing medications and independent practice
- Expanded coverage on rural practice, cultural safety and Indigenous perspectives
- Comprehensive updates to reflect changes in law, including human rights legislation and revised professional codes

Packed with practical learning tools, this book is an essential resource for students and practitioners, offering a clear decision-making framework to help you act with confidence.

Fiona McDonald is a Professor in the Faculty of Law at Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand, an Adjunct Professor in the Australian Centre for Health Law Research at Queensland University of Technology, Australia and an Adjunct Associate Professor in the Department of Bioethics at Dalhousie University, Canada.

Shih-Ning Then is a Professor in the Faculty of Law and is Deputy Director of the Australian Centre for Health Law Research at Queensland University of Technology, Australia.

Sam Boyle is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Law and a member of the Australian Centre for Health Law Research at Queensland University of Technology, Australia.

Michelle Gunn is a Registered Nurse and Lawyer and a former Group Chief Nursing Officer. She currently serves as Head of Practice and Regulations at the International Council of Nurses, Australia.

Mary Claire Balnaves is a Registered Nurse and Registered Midwife. She is currently the Senior Project Officer – Policy in the Leadership and Advocacy Team at the Congress of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Nurses and Midwives, Australia. She is also an Adjunct Professor in the School of Nursing at Queensland University of Technology, Australia.