Ch.05 Key Terms
Criminal Law
The area of law that addresses possible illegal actions taken and must be proven in court beyond reasonable doubt.
Assault and Battery
Assault is an attempt to cause physical harm while battery is inflicting harm.
slander
A false spoken statement about someone that damages their reputation
activities that a person licensed to practice as a health professional is permitted to perform
Termination of coverage
Termination of coverage refers to the cancellation or discontinuation of health insurance
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
The unauthorized use or sharing of confidential health information
Libel
A form of defamation conveyed by text, pictures, and other physical forms of communication.
Ethics
A field that considers the morality of medical decision-making
Pre-existing condition
A preexisting condition is a health problem, injury, or illness that an individual has before they sign up for or receive health insurance coverage
Torts
When a medical professional acts in a negligent manner and injures someone in their care.
False imprisonment
when a patient is held involuntarily in a hospital, nursing home, other health facility or institution, or even in an ambulance.
Contract
To acquire from infection or contagion.
Power of Attorney
A legal document that allows you to name an agent to make health care decisions for you
Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (OBRA)
A landmark federal law, passed in 1985, that provides for continuing group health insurance coverage for some employees and their families after a job loss or other qualifying event.
Malpractice
Improper, illegal, or negligent professional activity or treatment, especially by a medical practitioner
Abuse
Any action that intentionally harms or injures another person
Breach of contract
A violation of the agreement between a health care provider and a patient
Denial of services
The refusal of an insurance company or carrier to honor a request by an individual
Living will
A written, legal document that spells out medical treatments you would and would not want to be used to keep you alive
Negligence
The failure of a healthcare provider to provide proper care or treatment, resulting in harm to the patient
Defamation
False statements presented as fact that harm someone's reputation or character
Consent form
A legal document that declares in writing that the patient or their guardian has been informed of the likely risks and benefits of undergoing a medical procedure and that they wish to go ahead
Denied payment
he department has denied payment for a medical assistance claim or reduced the level of service payment for a service provided to an individual who was an eligible medical assistance recipient at the time the service was provided.