Ch.5 key terms
Criminal Law
Laws dealing with crimes and their punishment, can affect healthcare professionals if they engage in illegal activities which basically.
Civil Law
Legal rules governing disputes between individuals or organizations, often involving compensation for damages.
Torts
Civil wrongs that cause harm or loss, leading to legal liability; common in medical contexts which is negligence.
Malpractice
Professional negligence by a healthcare provider that results in harm to a patient.
Negligence
Failure to provide the standard of care that a reasonably competent provider would deliver, leading to patient harm.
Assault and Battery
Assault is the threat of harm, while battery is the actual physical act of harm; both can apply in medical settings if consent is not obtained.
Invasion of Privacy
Breaching a patient's confidentiality or personal space, violating their rights.
False Imprisonment
Unlawfully restricting a patient's freedom of movement, often relevant in mental health settings.
Abuse
Harmful treatment of patients, which can be physical, emotional, or sexual.
Defamation
False statements that damage a person’s reputation, relevant when discussing patient cases or provider actions.
Slander
Oral defamation; can occur if a healthcare provider makes false statements about a patient.
Libel
Written defamation; may arise from false written reports about a patient’s condition.
Contract
A legal agreement; in healthcare, it often relates to the patient-provider relationship
Breach of Contract
Failure to fulfill obligations in a contract, such as not providing agreed-upon services.
Consent Form
A document where patients agree to undergo specific treatments or procedures after being informed of risks.
Scope of Practice
The procedures, actions, and processes a healthcare provider is permitted to undertake based on their qualifications and training.
Ethics
Moral principles guiding medical practice, including patient care and professional conduct.
Power of Attorney
A legal document allowing one person to act on another's behalf in healthcare decisions.
Living Will
A document outlining a person's preferences for medical treatment in case they become unable to communicate their wishes.
Denial of Services
Refusing to provide medical services, often related to insurance or legal issues.
Denied Payment
When an insurance company refuses to cover a claim for services rendered.
Termination of Coverage
Ending a patient’s insurance policy, which may affect their ability to receive care.
Preexisting Condition
A medical condition that existed before obtaining health insurance, often affecting coverage.
Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (OBRA)
Legislation that includes provisions affecting nursing homes and the rights of residents, emphasizing quality care and protection.