Medical Law and Ethics Vocabulary Definitions

Abandonment

situation in which a healthcare professional stops caring for a patient without arranging for care by an equally qualified substitute

Assault

the open threat of bodily harm to another

Battery

an action that causes bodily harm to another

Bioethics

principles of right and wrong in issues that arise from medical advances

Breach of contract

the violation of or failure to live up to a contract's terms

Civil law

involves crimes against persons. A person can sue another person, business, or government. Judgements often require a payment of money

Consent

a voluntary agreement that a patient gives to allow a medically trained person the permission to touch, examine, and perform a treatment.

Contract

a voluntary agreement between two parties in which specific promises are made

Criminal law

involves crimes against the state. When a state or federal law is violated, the government brings criminal charges against the alleged offender.

Defamation

damaging a person's reputation by making public statements that are both false and malicious

Deposition

a sworn statement regarding the facts of a case that is used to prepare a case for trial

Durable power of attorney

a document naming the person who will make decisions regarding medical care on behalf of another person if that person becomes unable to do so

Ethics

general principles of right and wrong, as opposed to requirements by law

Expressed contract

a contract clearly stated in written or spoken words

Felony

a serious crime, such as murder or rape, that is punishable by imprisonment. In certain crimes, a felony is punishable by death

Fraud

an act of deception that is used to take advantage of another person or entity

Implied contract

a contract that is created by the acceptance or conduct of the parties rather than the written word

Law

a rule of conduct established and enforced by an authority or governing body, such as the federal government

Locum tenens

a substitute physician hired to see patients while the regular physician is away from the office

Minor

anyone under the age of majority -18 in most states, 21 in some jurisdictions

Misdemeanor

a less serious crime such as theft under a certain dollar amount or disturbing the peace. A misdemeanor is punishable by fines or imprisonment

Negligence

a medical professional's failure to perform an essential action or performance of an improper action that directly results in the harm of a patient

POLST

(Physician Orders for LIFE-Sustaining treatment) form: a set of medical orders completed by a healthcare provider after a discussion with the patient regarding his or her desires for treatment; it serves as a set of portable treatment orders.

Tort

in civil law, a breach of some obligation that causes harm or injury to someone

Libel

defamation by way of writing

Slander

defamation by word of mouth