RC100 Ethics and Legal Concepts in Respiratory Care

Flashcards covering key ethical principles, ethical viewpoints, confidentiality, and legal concepts in respiratory therapy from the RC100 ethics worksheet.

Veracity

Telling the truth to patients and families.

Beneficence

Acting in the best interest of the patient.

Nonmaleficence

Avoiding harm and preventing injury when possible.

Autonomy

Respecting a patient's right to make their own medical decisions.

Justice

Fair and equal distribution of health care resources.

Confidentiality

Protecting a patient's private health information.

Role Duty

Practicing within the defined scope of respiratory therapy.

Formalism

An ethical viewpoint where decisions are based on rules, duties, and principles.

Consequentialism

An ethical viewpoint where decisions are judged by outcomes and overall good.

Virtue Ethics

An ethical viewpoint where decisions are based on what a "good RT" would do.

Intuitionism

An ethical viewpoint where decisions are based on self-evident moral truths.

AARC Statement of Ethics and Professional Conduct

The guidelines establishing ethical principles and professional conduct expectations for respiratory care practice.

HIPAA Mandatory Disclosure

Legal exceptions where patient information must be disclosed, such as cases involving abuse or gunshot wounds.

Criminal Law

The legal framework addressing offenses committed against society or the public welfare.

Civil Law

The legal framework dealing with disputes between private individuals or entities.

Administrative Law

The branch of law involving regulations, rules, and decisions created by governmental administrative agencies.

Tort Law

A category of civil law involving legal wrongs committed against a person or property.