Medical Law & Ethics | Medical Assisting

Classification of Law

The way laws are grouped, Criminal, Civil, International and Military.

Criminal Law

Laws that punish actions harmful to society, like stealing drugs or practicing medicine without a license.

Civil Law

Laws that handle disputes between people, such as a patient suing a doctor for an injury.

Malpractice

Failing to provide proper medical care, causing harm to a patient.

Contract Law

Legal agreements between patients and providers, like employment contracts or patient consent forms.

Abandonment

When a healthcare provider stops treating a patient without arranging proper follow-up care. Ex: Leaving a patient.

Termination of Contract

Ending the legal agreement between patient and provider.

Standard of Care

The normal level of care and skill that a reasonably trained medical healthcare worker is expected to provide.

Statute of Limitations

The legal time limit a patient has to file a lawsuit for medical errors.

Good Samaritan Laws

Legal protection from those who voluntarily provide emergency assistance to others.

Defamation of Character

Writing false statements that damage a healthcare worker’s or patient’s reputation.

Slander

Saying false statements that damage a healthcare worker’s or patients reputation.

Patient Rights

The basic rules of respect, privacy, and care that patients are guaranteed in healthcare.

Informed Consent

A patient agreeing to treatment after being told the risks, benefits and options.

Battery

Touching a patient or providing treatment without their permission/consent, even if no harm is done.

Code of Ethics

Professional rules that guide healthcare workers to act honestly and responsibly.

Medical Ethics

Moral principles that guide medical decisions, like fairness, honesty, and patient respect.

HIPAA and Confidentiality

A law that protects patient health information and keeps it private.