Section IX: Medical Law, Ethics, and Patient Rights

Negligence

Failure to provide standard care (accidental harm)

Malpractice

Professional negligence (you knew better)

Tort

A civil wrong (can be intentional or not)

Battery

Touching without consent

Assault

Threat of harm (no touch needed)

Abandonment

Ending care without proper notice

Invasion of Privacy

Sharing protected information

Defamation

False statements damaging reputation

Subpoena

Legal request for records/testimony

Advance Directive

Legal doc stating patient’s care wishes

Informed Consent

Patient agrees after being told risks, benefits, options

Implied Consent

Patient’s actions show agreement

Verbal Consent

Spoken consent (still documented)

Written Consent

Signed document of consent

HIPPA

• Stands for: Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act

• Protects confidential health info (PHI)

• Applies to anything written, spoken, or digital

• Only access patient records on a need-to-know basis

• Do NOT: Discuss info in public areas, Leave charts open, Text PHI, Use names in social media posts

Patient’s Bill of Rights

• Receive respectful care

• Be informed about treatment

• Refuse treatment

• Know their provider

• Review and request copies of their records

• Expect confidentiality

Mandatory Reporting

• Suspected child abuse

• Elder abuse

• Domestic violence

• Gunshot wounds

• Certain communicable diseases (per state law)

MA’s role: document facts, notify provider, follow reporting protocols. Failure to report = legal consequences.