Medical Legal GRID

Question 1

Involuntary Consent.

1. Application?

Answer 1

1. Assisting patients who are mentally ill, developmentally delayed or who are in behavioral/psychologic crisis. Similar situation to those involving minors.

Question 2

Negligence.

1. Definition?
2. Application?

Answer 2

1. Negligence is the failure to provide the same are that a person with similar training would provide in the same or a similar situation. It is deviation from the accepted standard of care that may result in further injury to the patient
2. Duty, breach of duty, damages, causation

Question 3

Defamation.

1. Definition?
2. Application?

Answer 3

1. Defamation is the communication of false information that damages the reputation of a person.
2. ie a false statement on a run report, inappropriate comments made on social media or during station house conversations or sharing war stories with friends etc.

Question 4

Assault.

1. Definition?

Answer 4

1. Unlawfully placing a person in fear of immediate bodily harm.

Question 5

Standard of Care.

1. Definition?

Answer 5

1. The law requires you to act or behave toward other people in a definite, definable way…. Generally speaking you must be concerned about the safety and welfare of others when your behavior or activities have the potential of causing others injury or harm. The manner in which you must act or behave is called a ‘standard of care’

Question 6

Kidnapping.

1. Definition?
2. Application?

Answer 6

1. Kidnapping is the seizing, confining, abducting, or carrying away of a person by force
2. Might include a situation where a patient is transported against his or her will.

Question 7

Expressed Consent.

1. Definition?
2. Application?

Answer 7

1. Expressed Consent is the type of consent given when the patient verbally or otherwise acknowledges that he or she wants you to provide care or transport.
2. Can be non-verbal also. For example, if you ask a patient if you can check his or her blood pressure and the patient extends an arm to you

Question 8

Battery.

1. Definition?
2. Application?

Answer 8

1. Battery is defined as unlawfully touching a person.

2. Could include providing emergency care without consent.

Question 9

Good Samaritan Law.

1. Definition?

Answer 9

1. Based on the common law principle that when you reasonably help another person, you should not be liable for errors and omissions that are made in giving good faith emergency care.
   - You acted in good faith in rendering care
   - You rendered care without expectation of compensation
   - You acted within the scope of your training
   - You did not not act in a grossly negligent manner

Question 10

Implied Consent.

1. Definition?

Answer 10

1. When a person is unconscious or otherwise incapable of making a rational, informed decision about care and unable to give consent, the law assumes that the patient would consent to care and transport if she or she were able to do so. For example, patients who are intoxicated by drugs or alcohol, mentally impaired, have a head injury. Implied consent applies only when a serious medical condition exists and should never be used unless there is a threat to life or limb. Also known a the Emergency Doctrine.

Question 11

Scope of Practice.

1. Definition?
2. Application?

Answer 11

1. Outlines the care you are legally able to provide for the patients. your medical director further defines the scope of practice by developing protocols and standing orders.
2. The medical director gives you the legal authorization to provide patient care through telephone or radio communication (on-line) or standing orders and protocols (off-line)

Question 12

Advanced Directive.

1. Application?

Answer 12

1. An advance directive is a written document that specifies medical treatment for a competent patient, should he or she become unable to make decisions. - Can be called a - Living will, Health care directive