Abandonment
withdrawing medical care from a patient without providing sufficient notice to the patient
Arbitration
process fair to both sides
Assault
threat of injury to another
Authorization
Document signed by a patient that permits release of particular medical information under the specific stated conditions.
Battery
bodily contact without permission
Bioethics
deals with the ethics of medical treatment, technology, and procedure
Compliance
adherence to rules and regulations
Contributory negligence
a patience refusal to have tests, x-rays, or vaccinations
Defensive medicine
Ordering extra tests just to avoid the threat of a malpractice lawsuit.
Depostition
a sworn statement to the court before any trial begins
Durable power of attorney
gives someone else, of the patient's choosing, the right to make desicions for the patient
Ethics
the principles of right and wrong that guide an individual in making decisions
Etiquette
Good manners
Express consent
consent either in writting or orally
fraud
intentionally dishonest practice that deprives others of their rights
Good Samaritan Act
legislation that provides protection from lawsuits for an individual who gives lifesaving or emergency treatment.
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act
(HIPAA) regulates how electronic patient information is stored and shared
Informed consent
the patient has had the illness or problem explained by the physician in simple language
Implied consent
applies to routine treatment only
Liability
legal responsibility
Liscensure
license to practice medicine
Litigation
bringing of lawsuits
Malpractice
improper care or treatment of a patient by a physician
Medical practice acts
Laws applying specifically to the practice of medicine in a certain state
Registration
(permit) issued by the registration branch of Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) grant these permits which must be renewed annually
Release of information
Permission to send patients records.
Statute of limitations
a law that sets a time limit for initiating litigation
Subpoena
legal document in which all documents relevent to the case be delivered to the court
Subpoena duces tectum
directs the party to appear, to testify, and to bring specified documents or items
summons
written notice, sent to the person being sued
settlement
the plantiff and the physician's insurance company reach an agreement and does not go to court