CH 4: Medical, Legal and Ethical Issues Flashcards
What is the scope of practice?
A set of regulations and ethical considerations that define the scope, or extent and limits, of the EMT’s job.
What is a standard of care?
The care that would be expected to be provided by an EMT with similar training when caring for a patient in a similar situation.
What is the difference between scope of practice and standard of care?
The scope of practice refers to what you should do and the standard of care refers to how you should do it.
What is expressed consent?
Consent given by adults who are of legal age and mentally competent to make a rational decision in regard to their medical wellbeing.
What are the three types of consent?
Expressed, implied and consent to treat minors or incompetent patients.
What is implied consent?
The consent that is presumed a patient or patient’s parent/guardian would give if they could, such as for an unconscious patient or a parent who cannot be contacted.
When would a patient be involuntarily transported?
If the decision was made by a police officer or mental health worker when they believe a patient poses a threat to harm himself or others.
In order for a patient to refuse care, what conditions must occur?
Patient must be legally able to consent.
Patient must be mentally competent and oriented.
Patient must be fully informed.
Patient must sign a release form.
If you subject a patient to unwanted care or transport, what are you at risk for?
Being legally charged with assault/battery.
What is assault?
Placing a person in fear of bodily harm.
What is battery?
Causing bodily harm to or restraining a person.
What is negligence?
A finding of failure to act properly in a situation in which there was a duty to act, that needed care as would reasonably be expected of the EMT was not provided and that harm was caused to the patient as a result.
What conditions must occur to be found liable of negligence?
The EMT had a duty to the patient.
The EMT did not provide the standard of care.
There was proximate causation, the EMT caused harm to the patient with his/her actions.
What is libel?
False or injurious information in written form.
What is slander?
False or injurious information stated verbally.
