Veterinary Ethics and Legal Issues Flashcards
- Define civil law.
- Civil law is the division of law that covers tort and contract law, and relates to the duties between government and people.
- Define contract law.
- Contract law works with duties established by individuals as a result of contractual agreements.
- Define negligence.
- Negligence is the performance of an act that another person under the same circumstances would not perform.
- Define malpractice.
- Malpractice refers to any misconduct, illegal or immoral, that result in damage or injury to a person or animal.
- Why are ethics important to the veterinary profession?
- Ethics are important to hold each member of an organization to a higher standard and determine right from wrong.
- Why is an informed consent imperative?
- An informed consent ensures the client has a complete understanding of the procedures involved, including risks, benefits, and alternative procedures.
- Why would a consent form NOT be upheld in court?
- A consent form may not be held up in court if an individual under the age of 16 years signed the form, was under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or is mentally unstable.
- What branch of law does animal abuse fall under?
- Animal abuse falls under criminal law and is prosecuted by the attorney general or district attorney’s office.
- What is PLIT? Whom does it cover?
- PLIT is Professional Liability Insurance Trust that covers veterinarians (and the staff members) involved in the veterinary practice.
- Why is medical record legibility important?
- Medical records must be legible if the record is ever taken to court. The judge must be able to read and understand the record, or the court may come to the conclusion that the event did not happen (as it can be extrapolated from the record)
- Which association created the Principles of Veterinary Medical Ethics?
a. AVMA
b. NAVTA
c. VHMA
d. PLIT
- a. AVMA
- What does the acronym VCPR stand for?
a. Veterinary-client public records
b. Veterinarian-client-patient relationship
c. Veterinary cardiac pulmonary resuscitation
d. Veterinary conduct and professional responsibilities
- b. Veterinarian-client-patient relationship
- Which of the following is considered a branch of veterinary ethics?
a. Normative
b. Descriptive
c. Administrative
d. Official
e. All of the above
- e. All of the above
- What are the two categories of law?
a. Civil and federal
b. Criminal and common
c. Criminal and civil
d. Federal and criminal
- c. Criminal and civil
- What is the correct definition of an intentional tort? a. An intentional action that has taken place in which harm has occurred to another member of society
b. Crimes committed against the public as a whole
c. A civil offense to an opposing party in which harm has occurred
d. An injury occurring to a member of society as a result of negligence
- a. An intentional action that has taken place in which harm has occurred to another member of society
Administrative ethics definition?
Administrative ethics Involves the action by administrative government bodies that regulate veterinary practice and activities in which veterinarians engage. The practice act, often modeled after AVMA guidelines is an example.
Definition of civil law?
Relates to the duties between people and the government. Ex. contract dispute between vet and employee
What is a Code of ethics?
Set of principles Developed to guide members of the veterinary profession to achieve high levels of behavior through moral consciousness, decision making, and practice.
What is contract law?
Contract law Deals with duties established by individuals as a result of contractual agreement.
What is criminal law?
Criminal law Prosecutes crimes committed against the public as a whole. Most criminal laws focus on acts that injure people or pets.
Prendergast definition of informed consent
Informed consent A person’s agreement to allow something to happen, such as a medical treatment or surgery that is based on full disclosure of the facts necessary to make an intelligent decision.
Prendergast definition of Malpractice
Malpractice - A limiting term specifically describing a professional’s failure to practice the quality of medicine set by similarly situated veterinarians in a given geographic area, if the accused is a general practitioner.
Prendergast definition of Normative ethics
Normative ethics Refers to the search for correct principles of good and bad, right and wrong, justice or injustice. Typically done on an individual basis and perceived somewhat uniquely by each practice professional.
What is the difference between ethics and law?
Enforcement, the government enforces laws and a professional association enforces ethics
Prendergast definition of a tort?
Tort A civil offense to an opposing party in which harm has occurred.
What are the four branches of veterinary ethics?
Veterinary ethics Four branches of veterinary ethics exist: descriptive, official, administrative, and normative ethics.
What is the Veterinary Practice Act?
Veterinary Practice Act Law established within each state outlining veterinary medicine.
Civil law can be broken down into what two areas?
Contract and tort law
Difference between intentional and unintentional torts
Intentional tort (injures member of society and can now sue for damages) include assault and unintentional includes not following the standard of care in an area
Definition of contract law
deals with the duties established by entering into a contract