Legal Responsibilities
What is criminal law?
Ex) stabbing
What are ethics?
What does confidentiality mean?
Keeping private information protected
What is informed consent?
Agreement to a procedure or treatment after receiving and understanding relevant information
What does professionalism mean?
Acting responsibly, respectfully, and honestly
What is negligence?
Failure to provide reasonable care
What ethical principle means treating everyone fairly?
Justice
What does HIPAA protect?
The privacy and security of protected health information
Can a patient refuse treatment if they have decision-making capacity and the legal right to do so?
Yes
What should you do if you make a mistake that could harm a patient?
Protect the patient, report the error promptly, and follow reporting procedures
What is malpractice?
Professional negligence that causes harm
What does autonomy mean?
Respecting a person's right to make their own decisions
Can you share a patient's private information with a friend?
No, unless disclosure is authorized or otherwise legally permitted
What does patient advocacy mean?
Protecting and supporting a patient's rights, needs, and preferences
What is a conflict of interest?
When personal interests could interfere with professional judgment
What are torts?
Wrongful act that does not involve a contract
What does beneficence mean?
Acting to benefit others and promote their well-being
What should you do if you accidentally disclose confidential information?
Report the incident promptly according to workplace policy
What should you do if a patient refuses medication?
Respect the refusal, report it to the appropriate healthcare professional, and document according to policy
What should you do if you witness a coworker behaving unethically?
Report the concern through the appropriate channels
What is civil law?
Relationships between people
Ex) divorce
What does nonmaleficence mean?
The duty to avoid causing harm
Is it acceptable to look at a patient's medical record out of curiosity?
No, access must be authorized and related to your job duties
What should you do if you suspect patient abuse or neglect?
Follow safety procedures and applicable reporting laws
Why is honesty important in healthcare?
It builds trust, supports patient safety, and promotes accountability