Medical Law and Ethics Flashcards
6 cards from real RMA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Medical Law and Ethics flashcards as text
A physician examines a patient and determines that the diagnosis is terminal cancer. The patient's family asks the physician not to tell the patient. What ethical principle supports the physician's obligation to inform the patient?
Answer: Autonomy
Autonomy — the patient's right to self-determination — requires that competent patients receive accurate information about their diagnosis and prognosis so they can make informed decisions about their own care.
Which of the following actions by a medical assistant would constitute a breach of patient confidentiality under HIPAA?
Answer: Mentioning a patient's name and diagnosis in a conversation with a friend outside of work
Discussing a patient's protected health information (PHI) with anyone not involved in their care — including friends, family, or colleagues outside their treating team — is a HIPAA violation regardless of where the conversation takes place.
A minor presents to the clinic requesting treatment for a sexually transmitted infection. In most states, which legal doctrine allows a medical assistant and provider to treat this patient without parental consent?
Answer: The mature minor doctrine / statutory exception
Most states have statutory exceptions allowing minors to consent to diagnosis and treatment of STIs, contraception, substance abuse, and mental health services without parental consent to encourage them to seek needed care.
Which type of advance directive specifically designates a person to make healthcare decisions on behalf of a patient who becomes incapacitated?
Answer: Healthcare proxy / durable power of attorney for healthcare
A healthcare proxy or durable power of attorney for healthcare designates a specific individual (the healthcare agent or surrogate) to make medical decisions for the patient if they become unable to do so.
Which of the following best defines the term 'respondeat superior' in the context of medical practice?
Answer: An employer is legally responsible for the negligent acts of employees performed within the scope of employment
Respondeat superior ('let the master answer') holds employers vicariously liable for negligent acts committed by their employees while acting within the scope of their employment.
A patient's family member calls and asks for information about the patient's test results. The patient is an adult and has not signed a release. What should the medical assistant do?
Answer: Decline to confirm or deny any patient information and advise them to have the patient contact the office
HIPAA prohibits disclosing any PHI to individuals not authorized by the patient; the medical assistant must decline to provide information and direct the family member to have the patient authorize the release.