LAW
What are the two basic types of law mentioned in the document?
Common Law
Statutory Law
What is malpractice essentially equivalent to
professional negligence
What does ALARA stand for in the context of medical practice?
as low as reasonably achievable
What is a living will?
a document that expresses the patient's wishes concerning future medical care
What is a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order?
a written physician's order instructing healthcare workers to not perform CPR
Which type of law addresses statutes enacted regarding the power of agencies to regulate and enforce laws?
Administrative law
According to the sonographer's scope of practice, what should a sonographer never act as?
diagnostician
Under what conditions do Good Samaritan laws typically protect individuals providing emergency care?
when the care is given in good faith, the provider acts within their scope of practice, uses due care, and does not bill for the service
What does a durable power of attorney for healthcare appoint?
appoints an agent to act on the patient's behalf should the patient lose the ability to make decisions
How are images obtained via sonogram legally classified?
legal documents that become a permanent part of the patient's medical history
In criminal law, what are the two categories of criminal acts mentioned?
Felonies & Misdemeanors
What legal concept is medical negligence based on, regarding the relationship between employer and employee?
concept of the master-servant doctrine
What are the two types of consent mentioned in relation to patient rights?
Informed consent
Implied consent
What is a voluntary agreement or permission that a patient gives a medical professional to allow that professional to touch, examine, and/or perform treatment or a procedure?
What should sonographers always document about an examination?
when and why an examination may not be optimal
Name three examples of intentional torts
Assault, battery & false imprisonment
What type of insurance might some sonographers purchase to guard against malpractice claims?
Liability Insurance
What should a sonographer do if a patient refuses an examination?
the sonographer should refer the patient to their physician for further guidance
What might sonographers be asked to complete if there's an incident or patient safety concern?
Sonographers might be asked to complete an incident report or to report patient safety concerns
A wrong committed against a person or property may result in physical injury, damage to personal property, or deprivation of someone's personal liberty or freedom.
Tort
What are the "four Ds" that must be proven in a negligence case?
duty, derelict, direct cause, and damages
List three tips for preventing medical malpractice.
treat each person equally,
explain procedures precisely and obtain the patient's permission,
communicate effectively with your patient throughout the procedure
What does HIPAA require in terms of electronic medical records?
standardization of electronic medical records, administrative data, and financial data
Establishes and enforces employee health and safety standards
OSHA
a deliberate act wherein one person threatens to harm another person and the victim feels that the attacker has the ability actually carry out the threat.
Assault