health science chapter 5 unit 3

Vocabulary flashcards defining criminal law and civil law based on the lecture slide.

Criminal law

Commonly called crimes; focuses on wrongs against person, property or society. Examples include practicing without a license, misuse of narcotics, theft, and murder.

Civil law

Focuses on the legal relationships between people and protection of a person's rights.

Tort

A wrongful act that does not involve a contract, also referred to as a civil wrong. Occurs when a healthcare worker fails to meet established or expected standards of care.

Assault and battery

A threat or attempt to injure; also includes the unlawful touching of another person without consent.

Informed consent

Permission granted voluntarily by a person who is of sound mind after the procedure and the risks involved have been explained in terms the person understands. A person has the right to withdraw consent at any time.

Invasion of privacy

Can involve unnecessary exposing an individual-revealing personal information about the patient w/o their consent.

Example: informing news media about a person’s condition; sending info to insurance company w/o permission.

Written consent

Required for procedures such as surgery, diagnosis tests, procedures, treatment of minors.

Verbal consent

Permitted for other procedures but must be infomed consent.

Needlestick Safety Act (2001)

Revised the bloodborne pathogens act to account for needlestick safety.

Identify and use safer devices

Include changes in the exposure control panel

Maintain sharp injury log

Solicit input from employees regarding safety.

HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability Accountability Act 1996)

These standards provide protection federal protection for privacy of health information.

Durable power of attorney

Permits the individual to a appoint another person to make any decisions regarding health care should the principal become unable to make decisions.