Scope & Standards
This defines the procedures, actions, and care an EMT is legally allowed to perform.
What is scope of practice?
This type of consent is given by a conscious, mentally competent adult who agrees to care.
What is expressed consent?
A competent patient has this right regarding medical care or transportation.
What is the right to refuse?
This legal document indicates that a patient does not want resuscitative efforts under specified circumstances.
What is a DNR order?
These are civil wrongs that cause harm or loss and can lead to legal liability.
What are torts?
This describes the level and quality of care expected from an EMT with similar training in a similar situation.
What is the standard of care?
This type of consent applies when an unconscious or incapacitated patient cannot give permission for emergency treatment.
What is implied consent?
A patient refusing care should be awake, oriented, informed, and free from impairment by drugs, alcohol, or this condition.
What is altered mental status?
This form may include directions about CPR, medical interventions, and artificially administered nutrition.
What is a POLST?
This tort occurs when someone fails to exercise reasonable care and harm results.
What is negligence?
Practice, continuing education, and this recurring credentialing process help EMTs maintain their skills and knowledge.
What is recertification?
For consent to be informed, the patient must understand the procedures and these associated factors.
What are the risks?
This document should generally be completed when a patient declines care or transportation.
What is a refusal of care form?
This document addresses long-term life support and comfort measures.
What is a living will?
Leaving a patient after beginning care without transferring care appropriately is called this.
What is abandonment?
This improvement process involves self-critique and accepting feedback after calls.
What is quality improvement?
A parent or legal guardian generally provides consent for this group of patients.
Who are children/minors
If a patient refuses to sign the refusal form, EMTs should do this thoroughly.
What is document the refusal and circumstances?
This person is legally designated to make healthcare decisions if a patient becomes incapacitated.
What is a healthcare proxy?
This legal obligation requires an on-duty EMT who is dispatched to provide care when the scene is safe.
What is duty to act?
Scope of practice rules may vary not only by state, but also by this smaller geographic area.
What is a region/local area?
A married minor, a minor with children, or one serving in the armed forces may fall into this legal category, depending on state law.
What is an emancipated minor?
When a patient refuses care, EMTs may consult this physician-based resource for assistance.
What is medical direction?
If family members request resuscitation despite a valid DNR, EMTs should contact this resource for guidance.
What is medical direction?
This Latin legal concept means 'the thing speaks for itself' and can allow negligence to be inferred without direct evidence.
What is res ipsa loquitur?