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Clinical independence

Definition

The principle that healthcare decisions in custodial settings are made on clinical grounds alone, without interference from custody staff. The UN Nelson Mandela Rules require this as a minimum standard.

Related terms

Dual loyalty
The conflict between a health professional's clinical obligation to the patient and their employment obligations to an institution : particularly acute in...
Equivalency of care
The principle that prisoners are entitled to healthcare equivalent in quality to that available in the general community. Recognised in the Nelson...
Hunger strike
A refusal of food by a person with decision-making capacity, typically as a form of protest. The correctional nurse's ethical obligation is...
Reception health screening
The health assessment conducted when a person enters custody, typically within 24 hours of arrival. Covers physical health, mental health, substance withdrawal...
UN Nelson Mandela Rules
The United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (revised 2015, named for Nelson Mandela), establishing baseline standards for prison...

Explained in

  • Correctional Nursing PracticeThe principle that healthcare decisions in custodial settings are made on clinical grounds alone, without interference from custody staff. The UN Nelson Mandel...

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