KEY TERMS
Adult
someone 18 years of age or older
battery
the unauthorized touching of another person
contracts
formalized promises that are enforceable by law. They contain the agreements of people to do certain specified things.
emancipated minors
are individuals younger than age 18 who are financially independent, married, in the military, or have been emancipated by a court.
express contract
when the parties discuss clearly and in detail what is to take place and agree on specific terms and conditions.
advance directive
document outlines an individual's wishes regarding the type and extent of care to be given
breach of contract
. If one of the parties fails to fulfill his part of the agreement
damages
financial responsibility
ethical dilemma
because not everyone agrees
false imprisonment
patients are held against their will, unless they are men- tally incompetent or a danger to themselves
agent
someone who has the authority to represent another person
codes of ethics
Though they vary in detail, the codes all share the same purpose: to set standards of professional conduct that promote the welfare of patients and ensure a high quality of care.
defamation of character
Disclosing unauthorized information can result in being charged with harming the reputation of another.
ethics
is a system of principles (fundamental truths that serve as the foundation for a system of beliefs) a society develops to guide decisions about what is right and wrong
fraud
Fraud is a form of dishonesty that involves cheating or trickery.
Assault
assault" meaning a violent, physical attack.) It does not matter if the patient benefits from the treatment
confidentiality
Protecting a person privacy
discreet
means being careful about what you say, preserving confidences, and respecting privacy
euthanasia
also called mercy killing, is 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
principles
fundamental truths that serve as the founda- tion for a system of beliefs
autonomy
means self- determination. Patients have the right to make decisions about their health care, including whether or not they choose to receive treatment
consent
process in which the patient receives information about treatment and gives his or her permission
durable power of attorney for
health care
In this document, sometimes called a "health care power of attorney," individuals designate specific people to act on their behalf if they become unable to make health care decisions. An individual can select anyone to be a surrogate
express consent
is more formal, either oral or in writing, in which a patient gives permission directly to the provider to receive treatment.
values
reflect what we care about most and guide our decisions and behavior. Individuals develop their personal values as they grow and mature.