Key terms
Adult
In most states, adult is defined as someone 18 years of age or older.
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Advance directives
Self-determination about health care decisions is pos- sible by using advance directives. These are written instructions that outline individuals' desires regarding care should they become unable, as the result of illness or injury, to make these decisions.
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Agent
An agent is someone who has the authority to represent another person.
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Assault
(This use of the word should not be confused with an alternate definition of "assault" meaning a violent, physical attack.)
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Autonomy
Americans value autonomy, which means self- determination.
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Battery
Touching a patient or performing a procedure without their permission can result in being charged with the crime of battery, the unauthorized touching of another person.
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Breach of contract
If this failure results in a loss for the other party, a court may award money to make up for this loss.
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Codes of ethics
The purpose of a professional code of ethics is to achieve the high levels of ethical consciousness, decision making, and practice by members of the profession (Code of Ethics for Dental Hygienists)
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Confidentiality
Demonstrate integrity and respect, and protect patient confidentiality.
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Consent
Informed consent is the process in which the patient receives information about treatment and gives his or her permission.
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Contracts
Contracts are formalized promises that are enforceable by law. Tthey contain the agreement sof people to do certain specified things.
Damages
Money tto conmpesnate for an injury or loss.
Defamation of character
Disclosing unauthorized information can result in being charged with harming the reputation of another.
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Discreet
Being discreet means being careful about what you say, preserving confidences, and respecting privacy
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Durable power of attorney for health care
Designation of health care surrogate/representa- tive.) 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.
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Emancipated minors
Emancipated minors are individuals younger than age 18 who are financially independent, married, in the military, or have been emancipated by a court.
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Ethical dilemma
At the same time, it can be argued that telling a patient the truth may not be in their own best interest, leading to an ethical dilemma.
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Ethics
Ethics is a system of principles (fundamental truths that serve as the founda- tion for a system of beliefs) a society develops to guide decisions about what is right and wrong
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Euthanasia
performing an action that results in the death of a patient to allevi- ate suffering or when it is believed that there is no hope for recovery.
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Express consent
Express consent is more formal, either oral or in writing, in which a patient gives permission directly to the provider to receive treat- ment. Express consent is required for many procedures, especially those that are invasive.
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express contract
An express contract is created when the parties discuss clearly and in detail what is to take place and agree on specific terms and conditions.
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False imprisonment
A claim of false imprisonment can be charged if patients are held against their will, unless they are men- tally incompetent or a danger to themselves.
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fraud
Fraud is a form of dishonesty that involves cheating or trickery. Medical fraud can result in severe penalties, rang- ing from losing the right to bill Medicare to imprisonment
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Implied consent
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
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Implied contracts
This means that the actions of the parties create the contract.
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