Legal Documents
formalized promises that are enforceable by law.
Contract
a form of dishonesty that involves cheating or trickery
fraud
self-determination
autonomy
patients have a legal right to privacy concerning their medical affairs
confidentiality
law
legislation
written instructions that outline individuals' desires regarding care should they become unable, as a result of illness or injury to make these decisions
Advance Directives
any threatened or implied act, whether carried out or not
assault
a situation in which there is no clear answer
ethical dilemma
a formal, either oral or in writing, in which a patient gives permission directly to the provider to receive treatment
express consent
a system of principles a society develops to guide decisions about what is right and wrong
ethics
health care instructions
living will
the unauthorized touching of another person
battery
performing an action that results in the death of a patient to alleviate suffering or when it is believed that there is no hope for recovery
mercy killing / euthanasia
the process in which the patient receives information about treatment and gives his or her permission
informed consent
set standards of professional conduct that promote the welfare of patients and ensure a high quality of care
code of ethics
designation of health care surrogate/representative
durable power of attorney for health care
disclosing unauthorized information resulting in being charged with harming the reputation of another
defamation of character
fairness
justice
the actions of the parties create the contract
implied contracts
the term for improper, illegal, or neg-ligent professional activity or treatment
malpractice
if one of the parties fails to fulfill their part of the agreement
breach of contract
when patients are held against their will, unless they are men-tally incompetent or a danger to themselves
false imprisonment
harming the reputation of another in written form
libel
involve punctures or incisions of the skin or insertion of instruments or foreign material into the body
invasive procedures
money to compensate for an injury or loss
damages