Key Terms
What is a settlement of a lawsuit using a qualified person known as an arbiter to review the case and determine the outcome?
Arbitration
What is a Latin phrase meaning the thing speaks for itself. Used when a patient’s injury is presented as evidence of medical negligence or wrongdoing?
Res ipsa loquitur:
What is an active, conscious acknowledgement that a person understands treatment they will receive and agrees to receive it?
Informed consent
What is the assumption that a person agrees to treatment or to a procedure; allows medical treatment to be provided in emergency situations, for example, even if the patient is not able to express, informed consent?
Implied consent
What is a failure to provide needed care that results in physical, mental, or emotional harm to a person?
Neglect
What is a person accused of wrongdoing, against whom a lawsuit is filed (civil) or charges made (criminal)?
Defendant
What is a Latin term meaning let the master answer. Used to hold an employer liable for the actions of their employee?
Respondeat superior
What is the use of words or actions to cause another person to feel fearful of being harmed?
Assault
What is a general term referring to legally-required information-sharing?
Compliance reporting
What is the act of taking advantage of a person for financial gain?
Exploitation
What is a statement given under oath to be used as evidence in a lawsuit?
Deposition
What are actions taken to limit the risk of being sued, such as providing high-quality medical care and documenting carefully
Risk management
What is the intentional touching of another person without permission?
Battery
What is a category of injury likely to have been inflicted in the course of a criminal act; must be reported to appropriate authorities?
Wounds of violence
What is a federal government agency that issues guidelines to protect and improve the health of individuals and communities?
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
What is a settlement of a lawsuit using a qualified person called a mediator to review the case and negotiate the outcome?
Mediation
What is a statute (law) that establishes the maximum amount of time after an event occurs that a lawsuit can be filed?
Statute of limitations
What is a person under 18 years of age who has been legally declared independent?
Emancipated minor
What is a disease that is easily spread from one person to another; some communicable diseases must be reported to public health authorities, though requirements vary by state?
Communicable disease
What is a situation in which a person’s personal interests may interfere with their professional judgment or actions?
Conflict of interest
A person who makes a charge of wrongdoing in court; the plaintiff has the burden of proof, or the responsibility to show that the defendant is liable for damages?
Plaintiff
What is a legal document that commands a person to appear in court to testify (subpoena ad testificandum) or to provide records or documents (subpoena duces tecum)?
Subpoena
What is a person under the age of 18 who is legally considered able to make routine healthcare decisions independently; mature minor laws vary by state?
Mature minor
What is an infection caused by sexual contact with an infected person; signs and symptoms are not always apparent?
Sexually transmitted infection (STI)
1. What is an accident, problem, or unexpected event during the course of care that is not part of the normal routine in a healthcare facility?
2. What is an unexpected occurrence that results in grave physical or psychological injury or death?
1. Incident:
2. Sentinel event