Healthcare Laws and Ethics Flashcards
Medical Ethics
concerned with whether actions are right or wrong
Medical law
focuses on whether actions are legal or illegal
Values
Concepts, ideas, and beliefs that are important and meaningful to a person
Physical invasion
occurs when a healthcare worker does not protect the modesty of a
patient
Informational invasion
occurs when a worker reveals a patient’s personal information without the patient’s consent
Patients’ Bill of Rights
a list of guarantees for those receiving medical care (The Affordable Care Act of 2010)
Ombudsman
Ensures that patients are not abused and that their legal rights are protected
advance directive
patient gives instructions about healthcare decisions for when he or she is incapacitated
Do not resuscitate (DNR)
states that CPR or other advanced cardiac life support should not be performed if a patient stops breathing or a patient’s heart stops
durable power of attorney
grants another person the authority to make legal decisions for you
guardian
person appointed by a court to make decisions to protect the interests of a patient who is mentally or physically incapacitated
emancipated minor
a person under 18 years of age who is financially and legally responsible for herself or himself
Duty of care
a legal obligation for healthcare personnel to take reasonable care to avoid causing harm to a patient
Negligence
performing an act that a reasonable person would not have done; failing to provide reasonable care
Good Samaritan laws
protect people from legal action after they have given free emergency
medical aid while using reasonable care
Reasonable care
legal protection for the healthcare worker if it can be proven that the worker acted reasonably as compared to other members of the profession in a same or similar situation
Arbitration
method of resolving disputes outside the courtroom; protects the healthcare facility from a costly trial if something goes wrong; patients are often asked to sign arbitration agreements before care is provided
Medical Malpractice
any misconduct or lack of skill that results in patient injury
Assault
occurs when your words or actions make another person fear that he
may be harmed
Battery
refers to touching a person without permission
Defamation
the act of damaging someone’s good name or reputation
slander
verbal defamation
libel
written defamation
Abuse
any action that results in physical or mental harm
Types of Abuse
– Physical abuse
– Psychological abuse
– Verbal abuse
– Sexual abuse
Statute of Limitations
The amount of time during which legal action can be taken about a matter
Scope of Practice
Includes all of the skills that a healthcare worker is trained for and allowed to use
Confidentiality
the practice of allowing only certain individuals the right to access information
HIPAA Privacy Rule
sets national standards to protect individuals’ medical records; gives patients rights regarding their health information, including the right to examine and obtain a copy of their health records, and to request corrections
Exceptions for Releasing Information
– Authorities or courts may order the release of certain information
– A patient may be at risk for immediate harm that can be prevented by releasing information
Informed consent
A form that explains the benefits and risks of a procedure or treatment plan
Sexual Harassment
Unwanted sexual advances and other forms of offensive sexual behavior
Discrimination
the act of unfairly treating a person or a group of people differently from others
