Patient Law and Public Health

What is Medicare?

A national insurance program run by the federal government where all are covered by one kind of insurance.

What is Medicaid?

State-based insurance for individuals in poverty.

Who qualifies for Medicaid?

Those under the state poverty threshold; includes children, pregnant women, parents at 1966 welfare levels, elderly and disabled receiving supplemental income.

How is Medicaid implemented?

States implement Medicaid individually as they see fit.

What are the 5 A's of Insurance?

Acceptability, Affordability, Availability, Accessibility, Accommodations.

What is Acceptability in healthcare?

Whether a doctor meets a patient's professional and personal preferences.

What is Affordability in healthcare?

How people pay for healthcare and how the system is structured financially.

What is Availability in healthcare?

Whether patients live near services they need.

What is Accessibility in healthcare?

How patients physically reach medical appointments or facilities.

What are Accommodations in healthcare?

How services adapt to client hours, communication, and needs.

What is the Patient’s Bill of Rights?

Explains patient rights in and out of healthcare facilities; must be followed by all providers and institutions.

What must medical facilities provide under Patient Rights?

Care based on the best interest of the patient.

What rights are included in the Patient's Bill of Rights?

Respect, appropriate care, being informed, ability to choose, accept/refuse treatment, and consent or refusal of research.

What does being medically informed include?

Knowing who will provide care, their experience, treatment plan details, financial info, and medical records.

What are reasons a patient might refuse treatment?

Financial concerns, personal or religious beliefs, or lack of medical information.

What is the difference between dignity and privacy?

Dignity is how a patient is treated; privacy is what information and protection is provided.

What does privacy in healthcare involve?

Discussions, exams, consultations, and treatments remaining private.

What is confidentiality in healthcare?

Communication and protection of medical records and history.

When can confidentiality be broken?

In abuse cases or to protect public health.

What is a DNR?

A "Do Not Resuscitate" order — a legal document that prevents resuscitation efforts at time of death if the patient cannot communicate.

When does a DNR go into effect?

Only at the time of death and when the patient is incapacitated.

What is a Living Will?

A legal advance directive outlining what treatments a person wants or doesn’t want at end of life.

What does a Living Will cover?

End-of-life care decisions including health and medical treatments.

What does it mean to be Liable?

Legally responsible for one's actions.

What is Malpractice?

Bad or harmful practice by a healthcare provider that causes injury.

What is Negligence?

Failure to perform duties in a responsible or customary way.

What is the Good Samaritan Law?

Protects people who provide emergency care without expectation of compensation.

When does the Good Samaritan Law apply?

During accidents or emergencies when care is given without a license.

What is Scope of Practice?

Specific activities a healthcare professional is legally allowed to perform.

Who determines Scope of Practice?

State legislatures and licensing providers.

Can healthcare professionals act beyond their scope?

Yes, in life-threatening emergencies to provide essential care.