Business Ethics and Legal Responsibilities in Medical & Dental Office Operations

regulatory compliance

Following laws, regulations, and standards that apply to the workplace.

OSHA

Occupational Safety and Health Administration, which sets workplace safety requirements.

EPA

Environmental Protection Agency, which regulates waste streams and environmental hazards.

HIPAA

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, affecting how patient information is used, stored, and shared.

professional licensing

State regulations that define what different healthcare roles can legally do.

standardized procedures

Written policies and checklists that reduce variation and errors.

documentation

Records proving compliance, including logs and training records.

personal protective equipment (PPE)

Gear like gloves and masks that protect healthcare workers from hazards.

cleaning

Removing visible soil from surfaces, the first step in infection control.

disinfection

Using chemicals to kill many microorganisms on surfaces.

sterilization

Destroying all forms of microbial life, used for critical instruments.

chain of infection

A model explaining how infectious diseases spread and how to break that cycle.

hand hygiene

Practices that minimize cross-contamination by cleaning hands at critical times.

ergonomics

The study of workplace design to prevent injuries and improve comfort.

employment laws

Regulations that govern employee treatment, hiring processes, and workplace rights.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities and mandates reasonable accommodations.

Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)

Sets federal rules for wages and overtime for workers.

Right-to-Know

Workers' rights to be informed about hazardous chemicals and safety procedures.

conflict of interest (COI)

A situation where personal interests may influence professional decisions.

harassment and discrimination

Rules ensuring fair treatment of employees, preventing intimidation in the workplace.

quality assurance (QA)

A process ensuring that work meets defined safety and quality standards consistently.

near misses

Events that could have caused harm but did not, important for safety reporting.

corrective action

Steps taken to fix gaps in compliance or safety processes.

stakeholders

Individuals or groups affected by a decision, including patients and providers.

ethical character traits

Qualities like honesty and integrity that guide professional conduct.

documentation error

An incorrect entry in a patient record that must be corrected using proper methods.

procurement

The process of acquiring goods or services, which may involve potential conflicts of interest.

behavioral standards

Expected actions and professionalism in the workplace that support ethical conduct.