Ethical Responsiblites
What is ethics?
system of moral guidelines and beliefs developed - what is right and wrong
What are contracts?
Legally binding agreements made between two or more adults to do or avoid doing specific acts.
What is autonomy?
The ethical rule and patient right that gives individuals the power to make their own decisions about their health care
What is legislation?
Official laws created and passed by a government or lawmaking group.
What is confidentiality?
A medical assistant keeps patient records out of sight and talks quietly so others don't hear private details.
What are values?
Core beliefs and standards that reflect what an individual/group cares which guides their behavior
What is an implied contract?
A patient walks into an exam room and holds out their arm so the nurse can check their blood pressure without saying a word
What is consent?
Giving clear permission to a doctor or nurse to perform a medical checkup, test, or treatment
What is negligence?
Accidental harm caused when a health care worker fails to pay attention or follow basic safety steps.
What is being discreet?
Being careful, quiet, and polite with your words and actions so that a patient's private information stays safe.
What are principles?
Fundamental truths that serve as the foundational rules for a system of beliefs or behaviors
What is a breach of contract?
A worker promises a patient that a new cream will cure their skin rash in 24 hours - when it fails, the clinic can face legal trouble for breaking rules/ethics/
What is informed consent?
A patient signs a form after the doctor clearly explains the procedure, its risks, benefits, and other options.
What is malpractice?
A surgeon ignores basic safety rules and accidentally leaves a surgical tool inside a patient, causing a bad infection.
What is defamation of character?
Ruining someone's reputation by making up lies about them slander
What is an ethical dilemma?
A patient with a terminal illness requests to stop life-prolonging treatment or medical team struggles between their desire to prolong life and their respect for the patient's choices
What is respondeat superior?
Meaning "let the master answer," this legal rule says an employer is legally responsible for mistakes made by an employee while doing their job.
What are advance directives?
Legal papers that let patients write down their medical choices ahead of time in case they get too sick to talk later.
What is battery?
Unlawfully touching a patient physically or doing a medical procedure without their permission.
What is fraud?
Lying on insurance paperwork on purpose to charge companies for expensive treatments that were never done
What are codes of ethics?
Professional organizations create these formal written documents to establish conduct standards that promote patient care
What is an emancipated minor?
A 17-year-old who lives on their own, pays their own bills, and has been granted full legal adult rights by a judge
What is a durable power of attorney for health care?
A legal form where a patient names a trusted person to make medical decisions for them if they pass out or can't speak.
What is false imprisonment?
Locking a competent patient in a room or holding them against their will so they cannot leave the building.
What are invasive procedures?
Medical tests or treatments that involve cutting into the skin or putting tools inside openings.