Ch. 04 Key Terms
This system of principles is developed by a society to guide decisions about what is right and wrong.
What is ethics?
A situation in which there is no clear answer because ethical principles conflict.
What is an ethical dilemma?
Disclosing unauthorized information that results in harming the reputation of another person.
What is defamation of character?
A document in which an individual designates a specific person to act on their behalf for health care decisions.
What is a durable power of attorney for health care?
The failure to meet the standard of care reasonably expected from a person with specific training and experience.
What is negligence?
This term refers to self-determination, giving patients the right to make decisions about their own health care.
What is autonomy?
Core beliefs that reflect what people care about most and guide individual decisions and behavior.
What are values?
Defamation of character that is communicated in spoken form.
What is slander?
A document outlining an individual's wishes regarding the type and extent of care to be given, including "do not resuscitate" orders.
What is a living will?
The term for improper, illegal, or negligent professional activity or treatment.
What is malpractice?
The legal right of patients to privacy concerning their medical affairs.
What is confidentiality?
The unauthorized touching of another person.
What is battery?
Defamation of character that is communicated in written form.
What is libel?
Consent indicated by a patient's actions, such as extending an arm or showing up for an appointment.
What is implied consent?
Formalized promises enforceable by law that contain agreements between parties to perform specific actions.
What are contracts?
Being careful about what you say, preserving confidences, and respecting privacy on the job.
What is being discreet?
Any threatened or implied act of harm, whether carried out or not.
What is assault?
A form of dishonesty involving cheating or trickery, such as billing for services not performed.
What is fraud?
Formal consent, given either orally or in writing, in which a patient explicitly gives permission for treatment.
What is express consent?
Someone who has the legal authority to represent another person.
Who is an agent?
The principle referring to fairness and treating all patients equally regardless of background.
What is justice?
Holding patients against their will when they are not mentally incompetent or a danger to themselves.
What is false imprisonment?
Written instructions outlining an individual's desires regarding care should they become unable to make decisions.
What are advance directives?
Individuals younger than 18 who are financially independent, married, in the military, or court-emancipated and can sign their own consent forms.
What are emancipated minors?
This legal principle translates to "let the master answer," making employers liable for their employees' actions.
What is respondeat superior?