Which organization provides the ethical framework and standards for nursing practice, including codes of ethics?

• A. American Medical Association
• B. International Council of Nurses
• C. National League for Nursing
• D. American Nurses Association (ANA) Code of Ethics for Nurses with Interpretive Statements.

Answer: (D)

The ethical framework for nursing practice is provided by the American Nurses Association through the Code of Ethics for Nurses with Interpretive Statements. This code sets out the profession’s core values and duties to patients, families, colleagues, and society, and it translates those values into practical standards that guide everyday care and moral decision-making. The interpretive statements help apply these principles to real-world situations, offering concrete guidance on issues like patient autonomy, consent, confidentiality, and advocacy. While other organizations contribute in related ways—physician groups shape medical ethics, the International Council of Nurses offers international guidance, and the National League for Nursing focuses on education—the ANA Code is the primary ethical framework that governs nursing practice in the United States.