Vital Notes on Accountability is a concise, accessible guide which provides students and newly qualified staff with an understanding of key issues in professional practice. Nurses are accountable for their own practice and require a thorough understanding of their core responsibilities which underpin everyday practice in the health service today. This introductory text in the ‘Vital Notes for Nurses’ series sets out a framework for accountability which consists of four ‘pillars’ – legal, ethical, employment and professional accountability – against which clinical issues can be considered. ∗ Presents legal, ethical, employment and professional issues in an accessible way ∗ Explores accountability, professional regulation, sources of funding and treatment in the health service ∗ Examines complaints, human rights, negligence, consent, and confidentiality ∗ Explores further applications in accountability ∗ Each chapter includes learning objectives, scenarios and case studies