ethics & morals
Ethics
Ethics provides the general principles on which laws are based.
Contracts
Contracts are formalized promises that are enforceable by law. They contain the agreements of people to do certain specified things.
Consent
Medical treatment cannot be carried out unless the patient gives his or her consent (permission). Informed consent is the process in which the patient receives information about treatment and gives his or her permission.
Assault
Assault, in this case, is any threatened or implied act, whether carried out or not. (This use of the word should not be confused with an alternate definition of "assault" meaning a violent, physical attack.)
Confidentiality
Demonstrate integrity and respect, and protect patient confidentiality.
Principles
Ethics is a system of principles (fundamental truths that serve as the foundation for a system of beliefs) a society develops to guide decisions about what is right and wrong.
Agent
An agent is someone who has the authority to represent another person.
Express consent
Express consent is more formal, either oral or in writing, in which a patient gives permission directly to the provider to receive treat- ment. Express consent is required for many procedures, especially those that are invasive.
Battery
Touching a patient or performing a procedure without their permission can result in being charged with the crime of battery, the unauthorized touching of another person.
Defamation of character
Disclosing unauthorized information can result in being charged with harming the reputation of another. This is known as defamation of character
values
Values reflect what we care about most and guide our decisions and behavior. Individuals develop their personal values as they grow and mature. Values are influenced by factors such as family, religious or spiritual teachings, education, and personal experience
Express contract
An express contract is created when the parties discuss clearly and in detail what is to take place and agree on specific terms and conditions
implied consent
implied consent is indicated by the patient's actions: showing up for a medical appointment, opening the mouth for the dentist to administer an injection, or participating in therapeutic exercises.
Damages
This may protect the facility and professional staff from damages (financial responsibility) & A patient suffering injuries from a fall caused by the incompetence of a physical therapist assistant could be awarded damages (money to compensate for an injury or loss).
Discreet
Being discreet means being careful about what you say, preserving confidences, and respecting privacy.
Autonomy
Americans value autonomy, which means self- determination.
Implied contracts
Most contracts between health care providers and patients are implied contracts. This means that the actions of the parties create the contract.
Living will
Living Will. (Health care instructions.) This document outlines an individual's wishes regarding the type and extent of care to be given.
Fraud
Fraud is a form of dishonesty that involves cheating or trickery.
euthanasia
Euthanasia, also called mercy killing, is performing an action that results in the death of a patient to allevi- ate suffering or when it is believed that there is no hope for recovery
Justice
Justice refers to fairness. Justice requires that all patients, regardless of race, economic status, religion, nationality, or personal characteristics, receive the same level of care
Protocols
Perform procedures according to facility protocols (standard methods for performing tasks) listed in the policy and procedure manual or the employee handbook
Emancipated Minors
18 years of age or older. Emancipated minors are individuals younger than age 18 who are financially independent, married, in the military, or have been emancipated by a court.
Malpractice
Malpractice is the term for improper, illegal, or negligent professional activity or treatment.
invasive procedures
(Invasive procedures involve punctures or incisions of the skin or insertion of instruments or foreign material into the body.)