Chapter 4: Medical Law & Ethics Terms and Definitions

Learning Objectives

-Address patient concerns according to the Patient's Bill of Rights.

-Maintain safety in the workplace according to regulatory standards (OSHA, Joint Commission, CLIA).

-Follow chain of custody protocol (e.g., drug testing, rape kits).

-Report illegal or unsafe activities in the health care environment to proper authorities (e.g., neglect of patients, harassment, substance abuse, fraud)

-Recognize and respond to emergency situations (e.g., fire, hostage, biological hazard).

biohazard

substance or object that may contain micro-organisms that can spread disease

CDC

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; provides safety guidelines for medical offices and facilities

Chain of Custody

a method of handling specimens that may be used in a legal setting

CLSI

Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute; an organization that sets the standards for labs

disinfect

to reduce or remove pathogens from surfaces

DNA testing

identification by looking at genetic material

domestic abuse

physical, emotional, or verbal abuse performed by someone related to or living with a person

HBV

hepatitis B virus

HCV

hepatitis C virus

HIV

Human Immunodeficiency Virus

influenza

a virus commonly known as the flu

immunization

injections or medications that help an individual's immune system become fortified against disease

TJC

The Joint Commission; an organization that accredits health care organizations and programs

OSHA

Occupational Safety and Health Administration; an organization that sets guidelines to ensure medical professional safety

PPE

Personal Protective Equipment; items used to protect the safety of an individual

sanitation

the process of cleaning equipment and devices after use on a patient and before decontamination or sterilization

sharps container

A leak-proof, puncture-proof container labeled with a biohazard symbol for the disposal of needles and other sharp medical instruments

standard precautions

guidelines developed by the CDC to instruct health care providers to reduce the risk of disease transmission when giving care