HIT: Ch. 8 Health Law

Public Law

Involves the government and its relationship with individuals and organizations, defining and enforcing rights.

Private Law

Governs rights and duties among private entities or individuals, including contracts and torts.

Constitutional Law

Defines the powers and authority of government branches as outlined in the US Constitution.

Statutes

Laws enacted by legislative bodies, including Congress and state legislatures.

Administrative Law

Rules and regulations developed by administrative agencies to enforce statutes.

Judicial Law

Law created from court decisions, interpreting statutes and resolving conflicts.

Discovery

Pretrial process where parties obtain information about a case to prepare for trial.

Subpoena

Legal document compelling someone to testify or produce documents in court.

E-Discovery

Process of obtaining and reviewing electronically stored data in legal cases.

Trial

Legal proceeding where evidence is presented, and a verdict is rendered by a jury or judge.

Evidence

Information presented in court to support or refute claims, governed by rules of admissibility.

Medical Malpractice

Professional liability of healthcare providers for failing to meet established standards of care.

Negligence

Failure to act as a prudent person would, leading to harm or injury.

Informed Consent

Process ensuring patients understand the risks and benefits of treatment before agreeing to it.

Advance Directives

Legal documents expressing an individual's healthcare wishes if they become unable to communicate.

Legal Health Record

The official record used for legal purposes, defined by the healthcare organization.

Health Record Retention

Policies governing how long health records must be kept, influenced by laws and regulations.

Credentialing

Process of verifying the qualifications of medical staff to ensure quality care.

Licensure

Government designation allowing individuals or organizations to practice in a specific field.

Accreditation

Recognition by an accrediting body that a healthcare organization meets established standards of excellence.