legal and ethics medical science

criminal law

Violations of laws that protect society; can result in jail time.

civil law

Disputes between individuals or organizations; resolved through money compensation.

malpractice

Surgeon leaves a tool inside a patient, causing infection

negligence

Nurse forgets to lock wheelchair brakes, patient falls.

Assault & Battery

Doctor threatens a shot (assault) and administers it without permission (battery).

Invasion of Privacy

Doctor posts patient info online.

False Imprisonment:

Hospital won’t let a discharged patient leave.

abuse

Worker yells at, hits, or neglects patient.

defamation

Nurse spreads false rumors about a coworker stealing medicine.

slander

harm someone’s reputation with false info speaking

libel

harm someone’s reputation with false info. through writing and published

offer

One party proposes something.

acceptance

Other party agrees.

consideration

Something of value (usually money) is exchanged.

implied

understood without words (e.g., patient holds arm for BP).

expressed

clearly stated (e.g., signed surgery consent form).

Legal Disabilities

minors, mentally incompetent people, under influence of drugs/alcohol.

Non-English Contracts

must provide a certified translator.

ethics

Set of morals and values guiding right/wrong behavior.

correcting errors 

Draw single line, write correct info, do not erase.

Health Record Ownership

Provider owns records, but patients can access and copy them

Authorization Form Must Include

Patient info, purpose, recipient, expiration, signature & date

Long-Term Care Rights

Nursing Home Reform Act guarantees quality & respect

Patient Self-Determination Act (PSDA):

Ensures patients know their rights to accept/refuse treatment

living will

Patient states treatment preferences if unable to communicate

Durable Power of Attorney (DPOA)

Appoints trusted person to make healthcare decisions