IPHE 310: CH. 3 - Essentials of the Legal System for Health Care Professionals

What is endorsement in physician licensure?

An approval or sanction.

What is reciprocity in physician licensure?

Cooperation of one state in granting a license to a physician already licensed in another state.

What is registration in physician licensure?

An annual or biannual process where physicians must pay a fee and maintain their license.

What are continuing medical education (CME) requirements for physicians?

Physicians must complete 75 hours of CME in a three-year period.

What is considered unprofessional conduct with physicians?

Actions such as falsifying records or engaging in gross immorality.

What is the statute of limitations?

The period of time a patient has to file a lawsuit.

How long is the statute of limitations typically?

Usually one to three years.

What is the discovery rule?

The time period begins when the problem was discovered.

What are Good Samaritan laws?

State laws that protect health care professionals and ordinary citizens from liability while providing care in an emergency.

Are individuals required to provide aid under Good Samaritan laws?

No, except in Vermont.

What is the limitation when providing care under Good Samaritan laws?

Individuals are only required to act within the limits of their acquired skill and training.

What is a guardian ad litem?

A court-appointed adult who acts in court on behalf of a child in litigation.

Can a child wait to file a lawsuit until adulthood?

Yes, the child may wait until he or she reaches adulthood before suing.

What is telehealth?

The delivery of healthcare services remotely, with regulations that vary by state and specialty.

What must providers ensure when practicing telehealth?

Compliance with applicable state and specialty regulations.

What licensure is required for telehealth providers?

A state or regional license to practice in both their own location and the patient’s location.

Is informed consent required for telehealth?

Yes, informed consent is required.

What safety measure must be in place for telehealth?

An emergency plan.

What is scope of practice?

The boundaries within which a healthcare professional must work based on their discipline and training.

Why is it important to understand scope of practice?

To ensure actions and decisions stay within professional guidelines and avoid performing tasks one is not qualified to do.

What role does the chain of command play in scope of practice?

It ensures that no employee makes decisions they are unqualified to make and that concerns are escalated appropriately.

What is the chain of command in healthcare?

A structured hierarchy that outlines who to report to and how decisions or concerns are escalated.

What is confidentiality in healthcare?

Keeping all patient information private.

Can patient information be disclosed without consent?

No, it cannot be disclosed without written consent.

What is the Medical Patient Rights Act?

A federal law that gives patients the right to have their privacy respected and their records kept confidential.

What is respondeat superior?

A legal doctrine meaning “let the master answer.”

What does respondeat superior hold?

The employer is liable for the acts of an employee performed within the scope of employment.