ethical responsibilities
Adult
Someone 18 years of age or older
Breach of contract
If one of the parties fails to fulfill their part of the agreement, this can result in a breach of contract.
Discreet
Being careful about what you say, preserving confidences, and respecting privacy.
Euthanasia
Performing an action that results in the death of a patient to alleviate suffering, or when there it is believed there is no hope for recovery.
Implied consent
Is indicated by the patient’s actions: showing up for a medical appointment, opening the mouth for the dentist to administer an injection, or participating in therapeutic exercises.
Advance directives
Help ensure that the wishes of patients about their health care are followed.
Codes of ethics
Principles outlined in occupation specific codes of ethics developed by professional organizations.Though they vary in detail, all codes share the same purpose: to set standards of professional conduct that promote the welfare of patients and ensure a high quality of care.
Durable power of attorney for health care
Individuals designate specific people to act on their behalf if they become unable to make health care decisions.
Express consent
More formal, either oral or in writing, in which a patient gives permission directly to the provider to receive treatment.
Implied contracts
The actions of the parties create the contract.
Agent
Someone who has the authority to represent another person.
Confidentiality
Legal right to privacy concerning medical affairs
Emancipated minors
Individuals younger than age 18 who are financially independent, married, in the military, or have been emancipated by a court.
Express contract
Created when the parties discuss clearly and in detail what is to take place and agree on specific terms and conditions. The contract can be either written or oral.
Informed consent
The process in which the patient receives information about treatment and gives his or her permission.
Assault
A patient feeling threatened about receiving unwanted treatment, even if it is not performed.
Contracts
Formalized promises that are enforceable by law
Ethical dilemma
A situation in which there is no clear answer.
False imprisonment
Can be charged if patients are held against their will, unless they are mentally incompetent or a danger to themselves.
Invasive procedures
Involve punctures or incisions of the skin or insertion of instruments or foreign material into the body
Battery
Unauthorized touching of another person
Defamation of character
Disclosing unauthorized information can result in being charged with harming the reputation of another.
Ethics
A system of principles a society develops to guide decisions about what is right and wrong.
Fraud
Form of dishonesty that involves cheating or trickey.
Justice
Refers to fairness. Requires that all patients, regardless of race, economic status, religion, nationality, or personal characteristics receive the same level of care.