Medical Law and Bioethics Practice Flashcards

A collection of vocabulary flashcards covering medical law, legal definitions, healthcare consent types, and bioethics based on the lecture transcript.

Federal law creation

The process of passing legislation by Congress, establishing national laws.

Involuntary manslaughter

A type of homicide resulting from negligent actions leading to someone's death.

Bioethics

Field of study addressing ethical issues surrounding medical and life sciences decisions.

Trespass

Entering someone's property without permission, constituting an illegal action.

AMA Code of Ethics

Comprehensive guidelines outlining ethical practices for medical professionals.

Physician-patient relationship

Legal partnership formed when a physician provides care that a patient accepts.

MA scope of practice

Defined range of clinical and administrative tasks performed under physician supervision.

Duty of care

Obligation to ensure accuracy in medication and documentation in patient care.

Burglary

Theft when a victim is NOT present at the scene of a crime, typically involving unlawful entry into a building with the intent to commit theft or another crime.

Robbery

Theft when a victim IS present at the scene of a crime, that can involve unlawful entry into a building with the intent to commit theft.

American Disabilities Act of 1990

Legislation aimed at preventing discrimination against individuals with disabilities in various areas.

Disability (American Disability Act)

Conditions that significantly hinder an individual’s major life activities, as defined by law.

American Disabilities Amendments Act of 2008

Amendment that broadens the scope of what qualifies as a disability under the ADA.

District attorney

Legal official responsible for prosecuting criminal cases in a specific jurisdiction.

Self-referral

Situation in which a physician refers a patient to a facility where they have financial interests.

Organizational ethics

The principles that guide an organization’s decisions and behaviors in its operations.

Express contract

Formal agreement formed when a patient explicitly agrees to a physician’s treatment proposal.

Statute of limitations

Legal timeframe within which a patient must file a lawsuit following an injury.

Implied consent

Assumed agreement to medical treatment in emergencies when the patient cannot express consent.

Expressed consent

Consent given directly and clearly, usually documented in writing or communicated verbally.

Res ipsa loquitur

Legal principle that infers negligence from the nature of an accident or injury itself.

Emancipated minor

Individual under 18 who is legally recognized as independent from parental control in medical decisions.

Neglect

Failure to provide necessary care and support for one's well-being by their caregiver.

Abuse

Harm or mistreatment inflicted on individuals by someone in a position of trust or care.

Respondeat superior

Doctrine that holds employers accountable for the actions of their employees during the course of employment.

Informed consent

Patient agreement to treatment after being fully informed of its risks and benefits.

Defensive medicine

Practice of conducting additional tests or procedures mainly to avoid legal liability rather than for patient benefit.

Power of attorney

Legal document granting one person the authority to make health care decisions on behalf of another.

Living will

Written document expressing a person's preferences regarding medical treatments in life-threatening situations.

Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA)

Legislation that prevents discrimination based on genetic information in health care and employment.

Libel

False written statement that damages a person's reputation; a form of defamation.

Good Samaritan Act

Law that protects bystanders who assist individuals in emergency situations from legal liability.

HIPAA Privacy Rule

Regulations that govern how personal health information can be shared and protected.

Standard of care

Accepted level of practice that a competent medical professional would provide in similar circumstances.

Law

Set of rules established by authorities to regulate behavior and maintain order in society.

Defendant

Individual accused of a crime or being sued in a court of law.

Plaintiff

Party who initiates a lawsuit seeking legal remedy for perceived harm or injury.

Felony

Serious crime, typically punishable by imprisonment for over one year or by death.

Misdemeanor

Less severe crime punishable by fines or imprisonment for less than one year.