Ethics Review Flashcards
What are controlled acts?
Authorized acts that health professionals may perform within their scope of practice
Controlled acts can only be performed if authorized to the profession, delegated by an authorized health professional, or if an exemption exists.
What does the harm clause state?
No person shall treat/advice a person if serious physical harm may result from such treatment/advice
Who can use the title Medical Laboratory Technologist?
Only members of the profession may use this title
What organizations advocate on behalf of MLTs?
- OSMT (Ontario Society of Medical Technologists)
- MLPAO (Medical Laboratory Professionals’ Association of Ontario)
- CSMLS (Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science)
What constitutes professional misconduct for a member?
Being found guilty of an offence relevant to the member’s suitability to practice
Define incompetence in the context of health care professionals.
When a member’s care displays a lack of knowledge/skill or disregard for patient welfare
What must employers report to CMLTO?
If they terminate, suspend an MLT, or impose practice restrictions
What are the reporting obligations for MLTs?
- Knowledge of a sexual assault during treatment
- Conviction of an offence
- Changes to home address/employment within 30 days
- Report to CAS if child is in need of protection
What is the role of Health Canada?
Responsible for health matters including policies, financing projects, and health care for Inuit and First Nations communities
What is required for provinces/territories to receive health care funding?
They must abide by the Canada Health Act
What are the categories of health care?
- Primary care
- Secondary care
- Tertiary care
What is constitutional law?
Addresses the relationship between people and their government, establishing and limiting public power
What is statutory law?
Laws passed in parliament, such as those related to immigration, taxation, and health care
What distinguishes regulatory law?
Legally binding features of an act made by delegated persons or organizations
Define tort law.
Involves wrongs or harms done to a person or their property
What is the difference between intentional and unintentional torts?
- Intentional torts involve deliberate harmful acts
- Unintentional torts involve harm caused without intent, such as negligence
What constitutes negligence in health care?
When a health care provider fails to meet the standard of care, resulting in patient injury
What is the legal right under the Canada Health Act?
Qualified Canadians are eligible for prepaid health care for medically necessary services
What types of consent exist in health care?
- Expressed
- Written
- Oral
- Implied
What is the order of consent for medical decisions?
- Spouse
- Mother/Father
- Sibling
- Aunt/Uncle
What is the age of consent in health care?
There is no specific age; a minor must fully understand treatment, risks, and benefits
What is the definition of confidentiality in health care?
The legal and ethical obligation to keep patient health information private
What does the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act require?
- Consent for using personal information
- Allow individuals access to personal information
- Appropriate security for personal information
What does ethics study?
Standards of right and wrong in human behaviors
What are the principles of beneficence and nonmaleficence?
- Beneficence: doing good for others
- Nonmaleficence: causing no harm
What are threats to diversity?
- Stereotyping
- Bias
- Prejudice
- Assimilation
What is the Regulated Health Professions Act?
A blanket legislation that sets out the framework for self-regulation of the 25 health professions currently in Ontario.
Under what conditions can Controlled Acts be performed?
- The controlled act is authorized to the profession
- The act is delegated by a health professional authorized to perform it.
What is the role of Professional Associations?
Advocate for members and provide services such as liability insurance and continuing education.
What is required of all practicing MLTs regarding their professional portfolio?
Maintain a self-assessment of strengths and weaknesses, record of professional development activities, and a learning plan for the following year.
What constitutes professional misconduct?
- Found guilty of an offence relevant to suitability to practice
- Incompetence
- Failed to cooperate with Quality Assurance Committee
- Sexually abused a patient
What is Malpractice?
Failure of a health care provider to meet the standard of care, leading to patient injury.
What is informed consent?
Patient’s understanding and acceptance of treatment and its risks before it is administered.
Who can give consent for treatment?
- Capable person receiving intervention
- Legal representative or next of kin
- Mature minors under certain conditions
What is the role of health records?
Documents health care received and must be accurately recorded and maintained.
What is the difference between morals and ethics?
Morals define a person’s character, while ethics refers to the standards guiding professional behavior.
What does beneficence mean?
The ethical principle of doing good or showing kindness.
What is nonmaleficence?
The ethical principle of causing no harm.
What influences how professionals behave in their field?
The degree to which they honor their profession’s code of ethics
Professional ethics guide decision-making and behavior in professional settings.
What is an example of a sense of duty in the healthcare profession?
A healthcare provider has an obligation to deliver services to a patient who depends on them
This duty encompasses ethical, moral, and competent behavior.
What is autonomy in the context of healthcare?
Autonomy recognizes the right of a mentally competent individual to make independent decisions without coercion.
What does fidelity require from healthcare providers?
Fidelity requires adherence to professional codes of ethics and fulfilling responsibilities to patients competently.
True or False: Friendships in the workplace are always unethical.
False
Friendships are acceptable as long as they do not interfere with job performance.
What is the difference between bias and prejudice?
Bias is a learned attitude that undermines multicultural acceptance, while prejudice is an unfair dislike of a cultural group.
What must healthcare facilities demonstrate regarding cultural differences?
Healthcare facilities must show respect for cultural differences and learn about the cultures of the people they serve.
What disparities do Aboriginal communities face?
Aboriginal communities face huge disparities in socioeconomic conditions affecting health and well-being.
What is the focus of some health centres for Aboriginal people?
Some health centres focus on incorporating traditional healing practices alongside Western medical beliefs.
