Chapter 5: Legal and Ethical Responsibilities Key Terms Flashcards
Abuse
Any care that results in physical harm or pain, or mental anguish.
Civil Law
Laws that focus on the legal relationships between people and the protection of a person’s rights.
Advanced Directives
A legal document designed to indicate a person’s wishes regarding care in case of a terminal illness or during the dying process.
Consumer Bill of Rights and Responsibilities
A list of patient’s rights, implemented by the Department of Health and Human Services, that must be recognized and honored by health care providers.
Defamation
Slander(spoken) or libel(written); a false statement that causes ridicule or damage to a reputation.
Designation of Health Care Surrogate
A legal document that permits an individual (principal) to appoint another person to make any decisions regarding health care if the principal becomes unable to make decisions.
Durable Power of Attorney (POA)
A legal document that permits an individual (principal) to appoint another person to make any decisions regarding health care if the principal becomes unable to make decisions.
Legal Disability
A condition in which a person does not have legal capacity and is therefore unable to enter into a legal agreement (for example, as is the case with a minor).
Malpractice
Providing improper or unprofessional treatment or care that results in injury to another person.
Negligence
Failure to give care that is normally expected, resulting in injury to another person.
Patient Self-Determination Act (PSDA)
A federal law that mandates that every individual has the right to make decisions regarding medical care, including the right to refuse treatment and the right-to-die.
Privileged Communications
All personal information given to health personnel by a patient; must be kept confidential.
Tort
A wrongful or illegal act of civil law not involving a contract.
