Ethical Responsibilities
Assault
is any threatened or implied act
adult
Someone 18 years of age or older
Confidentiality
Legal right to privacy
Contracts
formalized promises that are enforceable by law
Consent
permission
Autonomy
Self- determination
Agent
Someone who has the authority to represent another person
Defamation of Character
Disclosing unauthorized information can result in being charged with harming the reputation of another
Damages
Money to compensate for an injury or loss
Discreet
Being careful about what you say
Battery
the unauthorized touching of another person
Breach of Contract
If one of the parties fails to fulfill his part of the agreement
Express Consent
More formal, either oral or in writing, in which a patient gives permission directly to the provider to receive treatment
Informed Consent
The process in which the patient receives information about treatment and gives his or her permission
Legislation
Law
Codes of Ethics
Health care professionals are guided by principles out- lined in occupation-specific
Fraud
A form of dishonestly that involves cheating or trickery
False Imprisonment
If patients are held against their will, unless they are mentally incompetent or a danger to themselves
Invasive Procedures
Involve puncture or incisions of the skin or insertion of instruments or foreign material into the body
Principles
Fundamental truths that serve as the foundation for a system of beliefs
Ethical Dilemma
A situation in which there is no clear answer
Implied Contracts
This means that the actions of the parties create the contract
Implied Consent
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
Justice
Requirements that all patient, regardless of race, economic status, religion, nationality, or personal characteristics, receive the same level of care
Protocals
Standard methods for performing tasks