criminal law
the area of law that addresses possible illegal actions taken and must be proven in court beyond reasonable doubt.
assault and battery
harmful or offensive touching of a patient by a medical professional
slander
the action or crime of making a false SPOKEN statement damaging to a person's reputation.
scope of practice
activities that an individual health care practitioner is permitted to perform within a specific profession.
denied payment
if a provider is out-of-network or the patient's health plan does not cover a service or procedure.
civil law
concerned with the peaceable resolution of disputes between individuals.
invasion of privacy
A doctor sharing a patient's medical records with someone who is not authorized to see them
libel
a defamatory statement in writing or other visible forms
ethics
guiding principles for healthcare professionals, ensuring that they prioritize their patients' well-being, treat patients with dignity and respect, and foster trust and confidence in the healthcare system.
termination of coverage
when the consumer has chosen a plan and effectuated coverage by paying the first premium payment and ends the coverage effective after the date the coverage was effectuated.
torts
a fancy way of saying “malpractice.”
False imprisonment
An intentional act to restrict a patient's movement unlawfully.
contract
An agreement is created whenever a business hires a worker, a company purchases a product or service, or a patient seeks a healthcare provider.
Power of Attorney
authorizing him/her to make decisions on the treatments, procedures, and medications performed on you
preexisting condition
any illness or condition a patient has prior to obtaining insurance
malpractice
any act or omission by a physician during treatment of a patient that deviates from accepted norms of practice in the medical community and causes an injury to the patient.
Abuse
the actions or inactions of an individual's caregiver or parent inflicting physical, sexual, or emotional harm on the individual.
breach of contract
when one party to the contract doesn't do what they agreed.
living will
written, legal document that spells out medical treatments you would and would not want to be used to keep you alive
Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (OBRA)
The quality of care mandates contained within OBRA, and the regulations, require that a nursing home must provide services and activities to attain or maintain the highest practicable physical, mental, and psychosocial well-being of each resident in accordance with a written plan of care.
negligence
failure to act in accordance with the standards of reasonably competent medical men at the time.
Defamation
a false statement of fact, published to a third party.
consent form
legal document that outlines a patient's agreement to receive a particular treatment, procedure, or disclosure of their medical information.
denial of services
a patient's voluntary refusal to receive medical care.