Law And Ethics Vocab

Question 1

Civil law

Answer 1

when an individual has had his or her rights violated or when individuals have disputes with other individuals or organizations

Question 2

Criminal law

Answer 2

conducted through the criminal court system when someone breaks the law or fails to perform an act required by law

Question 3

Felony

Answer 3

a serious crime punishable by prison or sometimes death

Question 4

Misdemeanor

Answer 4

a minor crime punishable by a fine or <1 year jail time

Question 5

Tort

Answer 5

actions that cause injury to another, resulting in legal liability for the person who commits the act

Question 6

Assault

Answer 6

Intentional attempt or threat to harm a person

Question 7

Battery

Answer 7

Intentionally causing harm or offensive contact with another’s person without that person’s consent

Question 8

Defamation

Answer 8

a statement that harms a person’s reputation, exposes a person to public hatred, contempt or ridicule, or injures their business or profession

Question 9

Libel

Answer 9

written defamation

Question 10

Slander

Answer 10

spoken defamation

Question 11

Informed consent

Answer 11

process in which a health care provider educates a patient about the risks, benefits, and alternatives of a given procedure (also refers to the document one signs to give their consent)

Question 12

Consent

Answer 12

Permission

Question 13

Implied consent

Answer 13

Type of consent in which a patient who is unable to give consent is given treatment under the legal assumption that he or she would want treatment.

Question 14

Express consent

Answer 14

Oral or written agreement

Question 15

Emancipated minor

Answer 15

Person who is not 18 but has the same legal rights as an adult

Question 16

Negligence

Answer 16

ailure to behave reasonably causing another to be injured as a result

Question 17

Scope of practice

Answer 17

outlines the care you are legally able to provide for the patient

Question 18

Malpractice

Answer 18

professional negligence

Question 19

Expert witness

Answer 19

a person who is permitted to testify at a trial because of special knowledge or proficiency in a particular field that is relevant to the case

Question 20

Patient abandonment

Answer 20

Terminating the relationship with the patient without giving reasonable notice or providing a competent replacement, resulting in a lack of necessary medical care

Question 21

Good Samaritan act

Answer 21

protects individuals, including off-duty healthcare professionals, from liability of any civil damages as a result of rendering emergency care

Question 22

Statue of limitation

Answer 22

A law that requires that a legal action must begin within a specified period of time (2 years for medical malpractice)

Question 23

Patient self-determination act

Answer 23

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

Question 24

Advance directive

Answer 24

any legal document that addresses your future medical care

Question 25

Durable power of attorney

Answer 25

a legal document authorizing someone to act on your behalf

Question 26

Healthcare proxy

Answer 26

a person chosen to make medical decisions if a patient is unable to do so

Question 27

DNR

Answer 27

Do not resuscitate

Question 28

Living will

Answer 28

a document in which a person states his or her wishes about life support and other treatments

Question 29

Uniform anatomical gift act

Answer 29

A law permitting a person of legal age and sound mind to donate all or any part of their body upon death

Question 30

Ethics

Answer 30

the principles of right and wrong that guide an individual in making decisions

Question 31

Etiquette

Answer 31

the customary code of polite behavior in society or among members of a particular profession or group

Question 32

Bioethics

Answer 32

ethical issues related to health care