Healthcare Law and Ethics
Expert-defined terms from the Advanced Professional Diploma in Healthcare Economics course at Greenwich School of Business and Finance. Free to read, free to share, paired with a globally recognised certification pathway.
Advance Directives #
Legal documents that allow individuals to specify their wishes regarding medical treatment in advance, in case they are unable to communicate their preferences in the future. Advance directives can include a living will, healthcare proxy, or durable power of attorney.
Bioethics #
The study of ethical issues arising from advances in biology and medicine, especially those related to healthcare. Bioethics addresses topics such as end-of-life care, genetic testing, and organ donation.
Confidentiality #
The obligation of healthcare professionals to protect the privacy of patient information and not disclose it without the patient's consent. Confidentiality is essential for building trust between patients and healthcare providers.
Capacity #
The ability of an individual to make informed decisions about their healthcare. Capacity is determined by the individual's ability to understand relevant information, appreciate the consequences of their decisions, and communicate their preferences.
Compliance #
Adherence to laws, regulations, and ethical standards in healthcare. Healthcare organizations must ensure compliance with legal requirements to avoid penalties and maintain the trust of patients and stakeholders.
Conflict of Interest #
A situation in which a healthcare professional's personal interests may interfere with their professional judgment or decision-making. Conflict of interest can arise when a healthcare provider stands to benefit financially from a particular treatment or referral.
Do #
Not-Resuscitate (DNR): A medical order that instructs healthcare providers not to attempt cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if a patient's heart stops beating or they stop breathing. A DNR order is typically requested by patients who do not wish to receive aggressive life-saving measures.
Ethical Dilemma #
A situation in which there are conflicting moral principles or values, making it difficult to determine the right course of action. Healthcare professionals often face ethical dilemmas when balancing patient autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice.
Euthanasia #
The act of intentionally ending a patient's life to relieve suffering. Euthanasia is a highly controversial practice and is illegal in many countries.
Fraud #
Intentional deception or misrepresentation for financial gain. Healthcare fraud can involve billing for services not provided, upcoding, kickbacks, or other illegal activities to defraud insurance companies or government healthcare programs.
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) #
A federal law that protects the privacy and security of individuals' health information. HIPAA sets standards for the electronic exchange of health information and imposes penalties for violations.
Informed Consent #
The process of obtaining permission from a patient before conducting a medical procedure or treatment. Informed consent requires that patients are fully informed about the risks, benefits, and alternatives to the proposed intervention.
Judicial Review #
The process by which courts review the constitutionality of laws or government actions. Judicial review plays a crucial role in safeguarding individual rights and ensuring that laws comply with the principles of justice and fairness.
Malpractice #
Professional negligence or misconduct by a healthcare provider that results in harm to a patient. Malpractice can include errors in diagnosis, treatment, medication, surgery, or communication.
Medical Ethics #
The branch of ethics that deals with moral principles and values in the practice of medicine. Medical ethics guides healthcare professionals in making ethical decisions and upholding the highest standards of patient care.
Medical Records #
Documentation of a patient's medical history, diagnoses, treatments, and outcomes. Medical records are essential for providing continuity of care, communication among healthcare providers, and legal protection.
Medicare #
A federal health insurance program for individuals aged 65 and older, as well as certain younger individuals with disabilities or specific medical conditions. Medicare provides coverage for hospital visits, doctor appointments, prescription drugs, and other healthcare services.
Negligence #
Failure to exercise reasonable care or skill in providing healthcare services, resulting in harm to a patient. Negligence can occur through acts of commission (doing something harmful) or omission (failing to do something necessary).
Organ Donation #
The voluntary donation of organs or tissues for transplantation to save or improve the lives of individuals with organ failure. Organ donation can be done after death or, in some cases, while the donor is alive (e.g., kidney donation).
Patient Rights #
The fundamental rights of individuals receiving healthcare services, including the right to privacy, informed consent, confidentiality, and quality care. Patient rights are protected by laws, regulations, and ethical principles.
Quality Improvement #
The systematic process of assessing and improving the quality of healthcare services to enhance patient outcomes and satisfaction. Quality improvement initiatives focus on reducing errors, improving efficiency, and enhancing the overall patient experience.
Risk Management #
The process of identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks in healthcare to prevent adverse events and improve patient safety. Risk management strategies include quality assurance, patient safety protocols, and error reporting systems.
Scope of Practice #
The specific duties, responsibilities, and limitations of healthcare professionals based on their training, education, and licensure. Scope of practice defines the tasks that a healthcare provider is legally allowed to perform within their area of expertise.
Telemedicine #
The use of technology to provide healthcare services remotely, such as through video consultations, remote monitoring, and electronic prescriptions. Telemedicine allows patients to access care from a distance, improving convenience and access to healthcare services.
Universal Healthcare #
A healthcare system that provides access to medical services for all individuals, regardless of their ability to pay. Universal healthcare aims to ensure equitable access to healthcare services and improve population health outcomes.
Value #
Based Care: A healthcare delivery model that focuses on achieving better outcomes for patients at lower costs. Value-based care emphasizes preventive services, care coordination, and quality measures to improve patient health and reduce healthcare spending.
Whistleblowing #
The act of reporting unethical or illegal activities within an organization to authorities or the public. Whistleblowing in healthcare can help expose fraud, abuse, or patient safety concerns and protect the interests of patients and the public.