Ch.1-3

Affordable Care Act

The landmark health reform legislation passed by the 111th Congress, generally referred to as Obamacare; prohibits denial of coverage based on preexisting conditions.

Certification

Confirmation that one has the knowledge and/or skill pertaining to a particular area or subject, usually through the successful completion of a certification examination.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

A United States federal agency under the Department of Health and Human Services, whose main goal is to protect public health and safety through the control and prevention of disease, injury, and disability.

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)

A federal agency within the United States Department of Health and Human Services that administers the Medicare program and works in partnership with state governments to administer Medicaid, the Children's Health Insurance Program, and health insurance portability standards.

Certified nursing assistant (CNA)

Someone who helps patients with healthcare needs under the direction of a nurse.

Continuing education units (CEUs)

Credits earned for attending sessions that provide educational information related to a particular topic.

Cross-training

Where one individual is trained to do a variety of skills in a variety of areas.

Health

To be without illness or to be free from disease.

Healthcare system

A network of agencies, facilities, and providers involved with healthcare in a specified geographic area.

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)

Enacted in 1996 as a way to protect everyone’s privacy.

Holistic healthcare

A system of comprehensive or total patient care that considers the physical, emotional, social, economic, and spiritual needs of a person.

Illness

A disease or sickness that affects the mind and/or body.

Nurse

A licensed person trained to care for the sick.

Ombudsman

Someone who is appointed to represent a person to ensure that the rights of the patient are being maintained.

Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (OBRA)

Standards for long-term care facilities and nursing homes to ensure that residents can achieve and maintain their highest level of well-being possible.

Patient

A person receiving medical treatment.

Patient care technician

A health technician worker under the supervision of a registered nurse, physician, or other health professional to provide basic patient care.

Phlebotomy

The surgical opening or puncture in a vein in order to withdraw blood or introduce a fluid.

Physician

A person who provides and practices medicine.

Professionalism

The conduct or qualities characterized by the technical or ethical standards of a profession; exhibiting a courteous, conscientious, and generally businesslike manner in the workplace.

Resident’s Bill of Rights

A document developed to provide clarity in a long-term care environment.

Simulation

The acting out of a scenario or situation on a manikin to gain confidence and improve skill before participating with a real person.

Wellness

The state of being in good physical and mental health.

Work ethics

A set of values based on the moral virtues of hard work and diligence.