Medical Law and Ethics Flashcards

A patient refuses a blood transfusion for religious reasons. The healthcare provider should:

Answer: Respect the refusal and document it

Competent adults have the legal right to refuse any treatment, including life-saving procedures, and this must be respected and documented.

Which federal law governs the privacy of individually identifiable health information?

Answer: HIPAA

HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) establishes national standards for protecting individually identifiable health information.

An advance directive that designates someone to make healthcare decisions is called a:

Answer: Durable power of attorney for healthcare

A durable power of attorney for healthcare designates a specific person (healthcare proxy) to make medical decisions if the patient becomes incapacitated.

The ethical principle of justice in healthcare primarily refers to:

Answer: Fair distribution of healthcare resources

Justice in healthcare ethics refers to the fair, equitable, and appropriate distribution of healthcare resources and treatment among patients.

A healthcare worker who suspects child abuse is legally required to:

Answer: Document and report to the appropriate authorities

Healthcare workers are mandatory reporters and must report suspected child abuse to appropriate authorities regardless of parental consent or physician confirmation.

The statute of limitations in medical malpractice cases refers to:

Answer: The time period within which a lawsuit must be filed

The statute of limitations is the legally defined time window after an injury occurs during which a patient can file a malpractice lawsuit.

Which of the following best describes respondeat superior?

Answer: An employer's liability for employee actions performed within the scope of employment

Respondeat superior is a legal doctrine holding employers vicariously liable for negligent acts of employees committed within the scope of their employment.