Patient-Centered Care: Business Ethics and Law (Strand 1 — Business Operations/21st Century Skills)

Protocol

An agreed-upon, step-by-step method for doing a task.

Practice

The routine habit of applying protocols consistently.

Infection prevention and control

A set of protocols focusing on cleaning, disinfecting, PPE, and hand hygiene.

Environmental safety

Protocols related to safe storage, spill response, sharps handling, and trip/fall prevention.

Chemical and hazard communication

Protocols involving labeling and Safety Data Sheets (SDS).

Equipment safety

Protocols focused on inspection, correct use, and reporting malfunctions.

Emergency preparedness

Protocols for handling fires, severe weather, and disasters.

Hand hygiene

The process of cleaning hands at key times to prevent spreading organisms.

PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)

Equipment worn to reduce exposure to hazards.

Disinfection

The use of chemicals to kill many pathogens on surfaces.

Sterilization

The process of destroying all forms of microbial life.

Compassion

The ability to notice suffering and respond with care and respect.

Personal integrity

Doing the right thing consistently by aligning actions with values.

Justice (fairness)

Treating people fairly and without discrimination.

Self-contamination

Contaminating oneself while removing PPE.

Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

Documents containing information on hazards of chemicals and safe handling procedures.

Right-to-Know

The right to understand hazards present in the workplace.

Hazard communication

The process of communicating about chemicals and their potential risks.

Compliance

Conforming to laws, regulations, and organizational policies.

Intellectual property (IP)

Creations of the mind that are legally protected.

Copyright

Legal protection for original works fixed in a tangible form.

Conflict of interest (COI)

A situation where personal interests could compromise professional judgment.

Nondiscrimination

Equal treatment in hiring and workplace evaluations.

Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)

A U.S. law that establishes minimum wage, overtime pay, and youth employment.

Ethical character traits

Stable qualities that guide your behavior in daily choices.