Ethical Principles in Health Science Flashcards
What is Autonomy in health science?
Patient’s right to make their own medical decisions based on beliefs and values
Autonomy emphasizes the importance of respecting patients’ individual preferences and choices.
Define Beneficence.
Healthcare professional’s duty to refrain from maltreatment, minimize harm, and promote good care toward patients
Beneficence highlights the ethical obligation to act for the benefit of patients.
What are Codes of Ethics?
Principles to guide professional conduct and identify the responsibilities of health science professionals
Codes of ethics serve as a framework for ethical decision-making in health professions.
What does Confidentiality entail?
Ethical responsibility to not disclose patient information without authorization
Confidentiality is crucial for maintaining trust between patients and healthcare providers.
What is the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA)?
Requires emergency medical facilities to provide care to all individuals who enter the emergency department
EMTALA ensures that emergency services are available regardless of a patient’s ability to pay.
Define Ethics in the context of health science.
Moral principles of an individual or organization which guide decisions
Ethics plays a vital role in shaping healthcare policies and practices.
What is the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)?
Most common regulatory law in health science which protects confidential patient healthcare information from being shared
HIPAA establishes standards for the privacy and security of health information.
What does the Health Insurance Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) do?
Audits healthcare providers to ensure compliance with HIPAA security and privacy requirements
HITECH enhances the enforcement of HIPAA regulations.
What is Informed Consent?
Requires individuals to be informed or obtain legal authorization to be used as a subject for research
Informed consent is essential for ethical research practices.
Define Justice in health science.
Patient’s right to fair and equal treatment
Justice ensures that all patients receive equitable healthcare services.
What is Liability?
Legal responsibility to provide restitution for actions caused by negligence and malpractice
Liability holds healthcare providers accountable for their actions.
Define Malpractice.
Negligence or void in the care of a patient by a health science professional or organization which causes injury to a patient
Malpractice claims can significantly impact a healthcare professional’s career.
What is Negligence?
Failure to rightfully treat a patient and provide proper care for a patient’s condition
Negligence can lead to serious legal consequences for healthcare providers.
What does Non-Maleficence mean?
Patient’s right to not be harmed during care
Non-maleficence is a fundamental principle in medical ethics.
What is the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)?
Federal agency which regulates laws pertaining to workplace hazards
OSHA ensures safe working conditions for healthcare professionals.
Define Scope of Practice.
Description of activities a licensed, practicing health science professional is permitted to perform
Scope of practice varies by profession and state regulations.
