CCMA Medical Law and Ethics 4

Question 1

A patient requests that their medical records NOT be shared with their spouse. Under HIPAA, the medical assistant should:

Accepted Answer

Honor the patient's request and restrict disclosure to the spouse

Answer

HIPAA grants patients the right to restrict disclosure of their PHI, and the covered entity must honor reasonable requests.

Question 2

Which of the following best describes 'respondeat superior' in a medical office context?

Accepted Answer

An employer is legally responsible for negligent acts committed by employees within the scope of employment

Answer

Respondeat superior ('let the master answer') holds employers vicariously liable for employee negligence performed during work duties.

Question 3

A patient who is 16 years old seeks treatment for a sexually transmitted infection without parental consent. In most US states, the medical assistant should:

Accepted Answer

Treat the minor confidentially, as minors can consent to STI treatment in most states

Answer

Most states allow minors to consent to STI testing and treatment without parental knowledge to encourage them to seek care.

Question 4

What is the primary purpose of a medical practice's Notice of Privacy Practices (NPP)?

Accepted Answer

To inform patients how their PHI may be used and disclosed

Answer

The NPP, required by HIPAA, explains to patients their rights and how the practice may use or share their health information.

Question 5

A medical assistant overhears a colleague discussing a patient's HIV status in the waiting room. The BEST immediate action is to:

Accepted Answer

Privately remind the colleague that patient information must be kept confidential

Answer

The medical assistant should address the breach immediately and privately, reminding the colleague of confidentiality obligations.

CCMA - Certified Clinical Medical Assistant Practice Test

CCMA - Certified Clinical Medical Assistant Practice Test

CCMA Medical Law and Ethics 4