Medical Law and Ethics Study Guide

This set of flashcards covers important terms, definitions, and concepts related to medical law and ethics for exam preparation.

What does criminal law deal with?

Wrong against society and its members; crime and punishment.

What is civil law?

Violation of an individual's rights; conflicts between two or more parties.

What is a tort?

Law determining if someone should be held legally responsible for injuries.

What is malpractice?

Negligence by a healthcare provider causing death or injury.

Define negligence in legal terms.

Failure to prevent injuries or accidents leading to patient damage.

What constitutes assault?

An action that places a person in immediate fear of bodily harm.

What is battery?

Unlawful touching of a person without their consent.

What is informed consent?

Consent obtained after informing the patient of risks and benefits.

Define implied consent.

Assumption that a patient would desire care if able to decide.

What is expressed consent?

Verbal, nonverbal, or written communication by a patient indicating wish to receive medical attention.

What is mandated consent?

When a patient is required to accept treatment by court.

What is false imprisonment?

Holding someone against their will without proper authorization.

Define abuse in a legal context.

To treat with cruelty or violence, especially regularly.

What is fraud in healthcare?

Claiming false qualifications or experience in a job.

What is the definition of slander?

Injuring a person’s character by false spoken words.

What is libel?

Injuring a person's character by false written words.

Define manslaughter.

The crime of killing someone without malice aforethought.

What does medical privilege/confidentiality entail?

Doctor-patient privilege applies to matters shared during medical care.

What is the Residents Bill of Rights?

List of rights afforded to residents of long-term care facilities.

What is the Patient Care Partnership?

A brochure informing patients about their rights and responsibilities during hospital stays.

What does EHR stand for?

Electronic health record that digitizes a patient's health.

What is HPI?

History of present illness; describes the development of a patient's current illness.

What are advanced directives?

Legal documents that provide instructions for medical care if unable to communicate wishes.

What is a living will?

Written request to withhold heroic life support measures from a terminal patient.

What is a Durable Power of Attorney?

Appointment of someone to make healthcare decisions for a patient unable to decide.

What does DNR stand for?

Do Not Resuscitate; indicates no life-saving measures should be performed.

What is HIPAA?

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act; national standards to protect patient privacy.

What is an ethical dilemma?

A situation where there is no clear answer regarding the right course of action.

What is a Code of Ethics?

Standards of professional conduct promoting welfare of patients and ensuring care quality.

List the four types of abuse.

Physical, emotional, sexual, elder abuse.

What are the indicators of physical abuse?

Frequent injuries, bruising, and cuts.

What types of information are exempt from medical confidentiality?

Gunshot wounds, impaired drivers, underage pregnancy terminations, child abuse evidence, potential crimes.

What elements must be present for a medical malpractice suit?

Damage, breach of duty, malpractice causing injury, deviation from standard care, duty owed.

What are the 6 things patients can expect from the Patient Care Partnership?

High quality care, clean environment, involvement in care, help with billing, hospital care after discharge, protection of privacy.

What influences the ethical beliefs of a community?

Religion, cultural norms, internet.

What are the three types of law that mainly affect healthcare?

Civil law, criminal law, tort law.

When was HIPAA enacted?

1996.