healthcare laws and ethics

Acute Care

Short-term medical care provided in a hospital for severe injuries, sudden illnesses, or post-surgery recovery

Levels of Care

The hierarchy of healthcare services consisting of primary care, secondary care, and tertiary care

Primary Care

Basic health maintenance services including regular check-ups and general wellness, usually provided in a doctor's office

Secondary Care

Medical care involving specialist treatment, often provided in community hospitals

Tertiary Care

Complex medical services and advanced diagnostics provided in large hospitals with specialized equipment

Outpatient Care

Medical tests, treatments, or procedures done without an overnight hospital stay

Healthcare Team

A collaborative group of healthcare professionals (such as doctors, nurses, and specialists) working together to provide comprehensive patient care

Quality Improvement

Ongoing efforts and systematic actions to measure and improve healthcare services, patient safety, and clinical outcomes

Chain of Command

The organizational hierarchy and reporting structure in a healthcare facility that indicates who reports to whom

Electronic Health Record (EHR)

A digital version of a patient's medical history and clinical notes designed to improve information sharing between providers

Patient Care Technician (PCT)

A healthcare professional who assists with basic patient care, takes vitals, operates equipment, and records data

HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act)

A federal law that sets strict rules protecting the privacy and security of patient health information

Patient Bill of Rights

A guarantee of rights for patients receiving medical care, ensuring fair treatment, informed consent, and the right to refuse treatment

Autonomy

The ethical principle of respecting a patient's right to make their own informed choices and decisions about their healthcare

Beneficence

The ethical principle of taking positive actions to help others and doing what is best for the patient's well-being

Non-maleficence

The ethical principle of "doing no harm" and avoiding actions that could injure a patient

Justice

The ethical principle of treating all patients fairly, equitably, and without bias

Documentation

Creating clear, accurate, and factual written or electronic records of patient care and observations

Privacy

The legal right of individuals to keep their personal and medical information secure and protected from public view

Informed Consent

A patient's permission granted to a doctor or provider to perform a medical procedure after being fully informed of all risks and benefits

Ethics

Moral principles and values that guide decision-making regarding right and wrong in healthcare practices

Professional Boundaries

Appropriate limits in professional relationships that prevent personal involvement from compromising clinical objectivity and quality care

HITECH Act

Legislation enacted to promote and expand the adoption of health information technology, strengthening digital privacy rules

Ethics Committee

A multidisciplinary group within a healthcare institution that helps resolve complex ethical dilemmas and conflicts