Ethics and Legalities Terms

Tort

a wrong that is committed against a person or the person's property

Slander

making false statements verbally about a person

Neglect

the failure to provide necessary care to prevent discomfort or pain, avoid harm, or prevent mental anguish.

Battery

touching a person's body without their consent

Abandonment

the act of leaving, including walking off the premises, deserting or neglecting a patient.

Standard of care

the skills, care, and judgments required by a health team member under similar conditions

Malpractice

Negligence by a professional person

HIPAA

a federal law passed in 1996 that restricts use and disclosure of patient information, and requires health care facilities to be responsible for protecting protected health information.

Informed consent

permission that is granted after full disclosure of facts are presented

Libel

writing untrue matter that hurts an individual or a group

False Imprisonment

unlawful restraint or restriction of a person's freedom of movement

Assault

intentionally attempting or threatening to touch another person's body without permission

Prejudice

making judgments and having views and opinions before knowing the facts

Ethics

the knowledge of what is right behavior and wrong behavior

Harassment

any verbal or physical abuse of a person because of race, religion, age, gender, or disability