The nursing team and its knowledge about legal attributions

Abstract

This study aims to verify the knowledge of the nursing team about its legal attributions according to LEPE - Law nº 7,498/86 of Professional Exercise and Decree n º 94,406/87. Between March and June, 2008, a semi-structured questionnaire was used to evaluate nursing professional who worked in Health Care Units located in the city of Palmitos - SC. Data were individually collected in the workplace and all participants remained anonymous and were free to participate. The questionnaire was composed by 35 items regarding legal attributions of the nursing team according to LEPE, and was answered by 17 professionals (100%), including nursing assistants, nursing technicians and nurses. Results suggest that the nursing team has to be constantly reminded or re-reminded of its individual attributions since 48% of the questions were incorrectly answered. We understand that having an adequate knowledge about such attributions is essential to diminish differences and occupational hazards and provide a qualified and effective care to the population, ensuring the legality of the team's actions.