Final answer:
The ANA Code of Ethics serves as a guideline for ethical nursing practice, providing a framework for decision-making rather than a legal mandate for licensure. Similar to the ASA's code of ethics, it helps maintain professional integrity and protect public welfare.
Step-by-step explanation:
The role of the American Nurses Association Code of Ethics and Interpretive Statements (ANA Code of Ethics) is primarily to function as a guide to the highest standards of ethical practice for nurses. It establishes a framework for professional behavior and responsibilities when ethical issues arise. It provides nurses with a basis for ethical analysis and decision-making. The ANA Code of Ethics is not a legally binding document but rather a set of guidelines meant to inform nursing practice. It does not mandate ethical behavior for maintaining a nursing licensure per se, but adherence to these ethical principles is considered essential for the professional practice of nursing.
Professional organizations, such as the ANA, play a crucial role in defining the values and ethical standards of their respective fields. These established codes of ethics, like those of the American Sociological Association (ASA), are vital for maintaining integrity and professionalism within scholarly and scientific communities. They help protect the welfare of clients and the public, and ensure that professionals conduct their work with responsibility and due care.