Chapter 3 Laws and Ethics

Question 1

The six categories of laws

Answer 1

Constitutional
Statutory
Administrative
Common
Criminal
Civil

Question 2

Constitutional law

Answer 2

1) Protects fundamental rights and freedoms of U.S. citizens
2) Defines the duties and limitations of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government

Question 3

Statutory law

Answer 3

Identifies local, state, or federal rules necessary for the public’s welfare

Question 4

Administrative law

Answer 4

Develops regulations by which to carry out the mission of a public agency

Question 5

Common law

Answer 5

Determines the nature of criminal acts that endanger all of society

Question 6

Civil law

Answer 6

Determines the circumstances and manner in which a person may be compensated for being the victim of another person’s action or omission of an action

Question 7

The two types of unintentional torts

Answer 7

negligence and malpractice

Question 8

Elements in a Malpractice Case

Answer 8

(1) DUTY - An obligation exists to provide care for the person who claims to have been injured or harmed.
(2) BREACH OF DUTY - The caregiver failed to provide appropriate care or was given negligently, in a way that conflicts with how hers with similar education would have acted given the same set of circumstances.
(3) CAUSATION - The caregiver’s action, or lack thereof, caused the plaintiff harm.
(4) INJURY- Physical, psychological, or financial harm occurred

Question 9

Patients Rights

Answer 9

1) Patients have the right to information necessary to make decisions about their health care provided in their primary language in ways they can understand.
2) Patients have the right and responsibility to choose health care providers.
3) Patients deserve immediate access to emergency medical care when needed.
4) Patients have the right to know options and participate in decisions regarding their health care.
5) Patients have the right to respect and consideration and should never suffer from discrimination.
6) Patients can consult privately with their healthcare providers.
7) Patients must have access to procedures that guarantee a timely, confidential, and fair review of any complaints they may have concerning care.

Question 10

Name the six ethical principles

Answer 10

1) Beneficence
2) Nonmaleficence
3) Autonomy
4) Veracity
5) Fidelity
6) Justice

Question 11

Autonomy

Answer 11

Autonomy entails the ability to make a choice free from external constraints.

Question 12

Good Samaritan Laws

Answer 12

Paramedics, ambulance personnel, physicians, and nurses who stop to provide assistance are still held to a higher standard of care because they have training above and beyond that of ordinary lay people.