Medical/Legal Issues & Professional Ethics

This set of flashcards covers key terms and concepts regarding medical/legal issues and professional ethics as discussed in the class.

Ethics

The systematic study of rightness and wrongness of human conduct and character as known by natural reason.

Professional Ethic

The ethical conduct of a profession.

Morals

Generally accepted customs, principles, or habits of right living and conduct in a society.

Values

Ideals & customs of a society towards which the members of a group have an affective regard.

Professional Ethics

Internal controls of a profession based on human values or moral principles.

ARRT Code of Ethics

A guide for radiologic technologists and candidates to evaluate their professional conduct.

Ethical Dilemma

Situation requiring moral judgment between two or more equally 'right' alternatives.

Consequentialism

Evaluates the rightness or wrongness of decisions based on their consequences.

Nonconsequentialism

The belief that actions themselves determine the worth of actions, regardless of consequences.

Beneficence

The principle of bringing about good.

Nonmaleficence

The principle of preventing harm and doing no harm.

Autonomy

The principle of self-reliance and individual choice.

Veracity

The principle of telling the truth.

Fidelity

The principle of being faithful.

Justice

The principle of acting with fairness or equity.

Medical Negligence

Failure to use the care that a reasonably prudent health care professional would use.

Tort

A civil wrong committed against another individual, which can be intentional or unintentional.

Assault

Any willful attempt or threat to inflict injury on another person.

Battery

An unlawful touching of another without justification or excuse.

False Imprisonment

Conscious restraint of another without proper authorization, privilege, or consent.

Defamation

Holding up a person to ridicule or contempt.

Patient Rights

Informs the patient of their right to be well informed and participate in treatment decisions.

Res Ipsa Loquitur

The principle that the thing speaks for itself, shifting the burden of proof.

Respondeat Superior

The master speaks for the servant; the master is liable for wrongful acts of their servants.

Corporate Liability

The responsibility of a health care entity for the quality of care delivered.

HIPAA

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, which protects patient confidentiality.