Medical Ethics and Law

Question 1

What is the difference between ethics and law?

Answer 1

Ethics: moral principles concerning behaviour
Law: provided by the state to define our obligations and rights

Question 2

What do the letters in the J.A.Y. tool mean?

Answer 2

J = Justifiable (Would I be able to explain this decision)?
A = Accountable (Would my peers approve?)
Y = You (What would you want if you were the patient?)

Question 3

What is the difference between libel and slander?

Answer 3

Libel: written defamatory statements
Slander: verbal defamatory statements

Question 4

What is the difference between implied consent and involuntary consent?

Answer 4

Implied: unconscious Pts who are too ill or injured to consent to lifesaving care.
Involuntary: granted by law enforcement to treat someone under-arrest, vulnerable, incapacitated, or a minor.

Question 5

Can a minor consent to medical care? What is a caveat to this?

Answer 5

No. But rights can be extended to individuals 16 or older who have “apparent maturity”. Additionally, police should accompany minors in your care if they are separated from their guardian.

Question 6

What are some criteria for determining mental competence?

Answer 6

• Oriented to person/place/day
• Not impaired
• Can describe plans for follow-up care
• Normal vital signs
• Etc. (whatever you think)