CH.4 Flashcards
Medical / Legal and Ethical issues
What is Scope of Practice
A set regulation and ethical considerations that define the scope or extent and limits of the EMT job
What is the primary ethical consideration
To make patient care and well being a priority
What is standard of care
The care which would be expected to be provided by an EMT with similar training when caring for a patient in a particular situation
What is consent
Permission from the patient
There are three types of consent
Expressed consent -Consent given by an adult of legal age, and mentally competent
Implied consent- Consent presumed by a patient, or guardian would give if they could
Consent to treat a minor or incompetent patient- A parent/ guardian must give permission prior to care for these patients
What is in loco parentis
It is an adult figure who acts on behalf of a parent, indicating a person who give consent for the care of the child when the parents not available
What is an exception to treat a child or incompetent individual without permission
There is a life threatening illness or injury
What is your responsibility what a patient refuses care
To be sure the patient is fully informed about their situation and the implications of refusing care
In order for a patient to legally refuse care or transport, what must happen?
Patient must be legally able to consent
Patient must be awake and orientated
Patient must be fully informed
Patient will be asked to sign a “Release form”
By subjecting the patient to unwanted care and support, how has the courts viewed the situation
It is considered Assault
What is DNR
Do not resuscitate order - An order signed by the patient and the physician
What is POLST
A physicians orders that state not only the patients wishes regarding resuscitation, attempts but also the patients feeding, antibiotics, and other life sustaining treatment
What is a proxy
A person that the patient names to make their healthcare decision
What is Negligence
Something that was done, or should have been done, not completed correctly
What is proximate causation
the concept that damages to the patient were the results or inaction of the EMT
What is a Tort
A civil lawsuit against EMT
What is Duty to act
An obligation to provide emergency care to a patient
What is abandonment
Leaving the patient after care has been initiated and before the patient has been transferred
What is the Good Samaritan law
A series of laws varying in each state to provide limited legal protection for citizens and some health care professionals
What did the privacy rule provide
The Health insurance portability and accountability act (HIPAA)
In what forms would a medical identification device be in?
Necklace, bracelet, or card
In most states there is a Safe Haven law, what is it?
Under law, a person may drop off an infant or child at a Police, Fire, or EMS station
What are some things to consider when assisting a patient on a crime scene
Conditions of the scene, the patient, fingerprints and footprints, and microscopic evidence
