Medicolegal and Ethical Issues Flashcards
7 cards from real AEMCA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Medicolegal and Ethical Issues flashcards as text
An AEMCA performs an intervention correctly but causes unexpected patient harm. Under tort law, liability most likely depends on whether:
Answer: The AEMCA deviated from the accepted standard of care
Negligence is established when a provider's actions fall below the accepted standard of care, regardless of intent or outcome alone.
Which document grants a patient the right to direct their own medical care, including the refusal of future treatment, in the event they become incapacitated?
Answer: A living will (advance directive)
A living will is an advance directive that specifies a patient's wishes for medical treatment when they can no longer communicate those wishes.
A terminally ill patient tells the AEMCA, 'I don't want to be resuscitated, but I have no paperwork.' The AEMCA should:
Answer: Contact medical direction and document the patient's stated wishes thoroughly
Without a valid written DNR, the AEMCA should consult medical direction and fully document the patient's stated wishes before making a clinical decision.
Which of the following actions by an AEMCA constitutes battery?
Answer: Providing treatment without the patient's consent
Battery is the unlawful touching of a person without consent; providing treatment over a patient's objection legally constitutes battery.
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) primarily governs:
Answer: The protection and confidential handling of protected health information
HIPAA establishes national standards for the protection of individuals' medical records and other personal health information.
When an AEMCA responds to a crime scene, which action is most appropriate regarding evidence preservation?
Answer: Document and disturb the scene as little as clinically necessary
Patient care is the priority, but the AEMCA should disturb the scene as little as possible and document any alterations made during treatment.
An AEMCA who witnesses suspected elder abuse while on a call is legally:
Answer: Required to report the suspicion to the appropriate authorities
EMS providers are mandated reporters in most jurisdictions and are legally required to report suspected elder abuse to protective services or law enforcement.