We have now reviewed Provisions 1 through 6 of the 2025 ANA Code of Ethics for Nurses. Today, we move to Provision 7, which emphasizes how nurses advance the profession through knowledge development, practice standards, and contributions to health and social policy. This provision reminds us that nursing is not only about individual patient care, it is also about shaping the future of the profession and improving health on a broader scale.

7.1 Contributions through Knowledge Development, Research, and Scholarly Inquiry

All nurses contribute to the development of nursing knowledge. This may happen through formal research, evidence-based practice, or everyday inquiry into improving care. Nursing draws on both science and the humanities, recognizing multiple ways of knowing. Whether conducting research, implementing best practices, or integrating insights from other disciplines, nurses strengthen the body of knowledge that shapes care. Understanding ethical research principles such as informed consent, fair participation, and scientific integrity ensures that this knowledge benefits patients and communities.

7.2 Protection of Human Participants in Empirical Research

Nurses have a responsibility to safeguard the rights and well-being of those who participate in research. Informed consent is not a one-time signature but an ongoing process that ensures individuals understand their participation, risks, and right to withdraw without penalty. Nurses involved in research must uphold honesty, accountability, and transparency, avoiding misconduct such as plagiarism, falsification, or fabrication. They must also remain attentive to historical injustices in research that harmed marginalized groups, ensuring that modern research practices are inclusive, respectful, and just.

7.3 Contributions through Developing, Maintaining, and Implementing Professional Practice Standards

Professional standards guide safe, ethical, and competent practice. These standards evolve as nursing knowledge expands and as society, technology, and healthcare systems change. Nurses contribute by shaping practice expectations through education, leadership, and professional engagement. Nurse educators, in particular, carry responsibility for fostering the knowledge, skills, and ethical dispositions necessary for the next generation of nurses.

7.4 Contributions through Nursing, Health, and Social Policy Development

Nurses bring a vital perspective to policy development at every level, from institutions to global health organizations. By engaging in governance boards, professional associations, and community committees, nurses ensure that policies reflect the values of health, safety, and equity. Nurses are encouraged to apply their evidence-based knowledge to issues such as access to clean water, firearm safety, food security, and healthcare reform. Educators and leaders have an important role in preparing nurses to participate fully in professional and civic advocacy.

7.5 Considerations Related to Ethics, Technology, and Policy

Rapid advances in technology, from genomics to artificial intelligence, require nurses to remain informed and engaged. While these innovations can enhance care, they also raise ethical concerns about privacy, consent, equity, and unintended harm. Nurses must help shape how technologies are used, ensuring they reflect nursing’s values of dignity, transparency, and patient-centered care. This includes advocating for equitable access, questioning underlying assumptions, and preparing future nurses to navigate the benefits and challenges of emerging technologies.

Provision 7 underscores the profession’s commitment to advancing nursing knowledge, protecting research participants, developing standards, shaping policy, and guiding the ethical use of technology. In our next ethics post, we will turn to Provision 8, which focuses on the nurse’s obligation to advance health and human rights, and to promote social justice.

Please share your thoughts about Provision 7 in the comments.  How do you see nurses contributing to knowledge, policy, or ethical use of technology in your practice setting?