Ch. 05 Key Terms
Criminal law
the area of law that deals with criminal offenses in the healthcare sector
assault and battery
when a medical professional intentionally harms a patient, either by threatening them or by physically touching them without their consent
Slander
when a healthcare professional shares false information about a patient's medical condition with others, which can damage the patient's reputation (it is spoken)
scope of practice
the range of activities a licensed health professional is permitted to perform, based on their education, training, and experience
denied payment
a refusal by a health insurance company to pay for services or products it has agreed to cover
Civil law
laws and regulations that govern the interactions between private citizens, or in the case of healthcare, between the practitioner and patient
invasion of privacy
when a patient's private information is disclosed without their consent
Libel
a written or visible statement that is defamatory and harms another person's reputation
Ethics
a set of principles that guide healthcare professionals in making decisions that benefit their patients and prioritize their well-being
termination of coverage
when a health insurance policy ends for a reason other than non-payment of premiums, such as when the policy is not renewed
Torts
a civil wrong that occurs when a healthcare professional or organization causes injury to a patient
False imprisonment
An intentional act to restrict a patient's movement unlawfully
contract
a mutual agreement between a patient and a healthcare provider, or it can refer to a type of healthcare equipment lease
Power of Attorney
A type of advance directive that gives a person (called a proxy) the authority to make medical decisions for another person if that person is not able to make their own decisions.
preexisting condition
A health problem, like asthma, diabetes, or cancer, you had before the date that new health coverage starts
Malpractice
occurs when a medical professional or facility fails to provide a patient with the standard of care that is expected in the medical community, resulting in injury to the patient
Abuse
the improper or excessive use of a substance or the physical or emotional mistreatment of a person or animal
breach of contract
when a patient's claim is not paid by an insurance company
Living will
a legal document that tells doctors how you want to be treated if you cannot make your own decisions about emergency treatment
Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (OBRA)
a federal law that allows employees and their families to temporarily continue their group health insurance after certain qualifying events
Negligence
occurs when a healthcare professional fails to provide the standard of care expected and causes harm to a patient
Defamation
defamation can occur when a patient or their representative makes false statements about a doctor or hospital to a third party
consent form
a legal document that a patient signs to give permission for a medical procedure, treatment, clinical trial, or genetic testing
denial of services
a claim denial, which is when a health insurance company refuses to pay a healthcare provider for services rendered to a patient
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