CMAA - Certified Medical Administrative Assistant Medical Law and Ethics Questions and Answers

Question 1

A CMAA at a busy practice accidentally faxes a patient's laboratory results to the patient's employer instead of their referring physician.
This action is a potential violation of which of the following?

Accepted Answer

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)

Answer

The Patient Self-Determination Act

Answer

The Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA)

Answer

The Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA)

Question 2

A patient is admitted to the hospital and is given a document that outlines their rights to make decisions about their medical care, including the right to accept or refuse treatment and to formulate advance directives. Which federal law requires the hospital to provide this information?

Accepted Answer

Patient Self-Determination Act (PSDA)

Answer

Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act

Answer

Affordable Care Act (ACA)

Answer

Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA)

Question 3

The legal doctrine 'respondeat superior' holds an employer liable for the negligent actions of an employee committed within the scope of their employment. Which of the following scenarios BEST illustrates this principle in a medical office?

Accepted Answer

A CMAA incorrectly enters a patient's allergy information, leading to an adverse reaction from a prescribed medication.

Answer

A patient slips and falls on a wet floor in the hallway that was just mopped by a contracted cleaning service.

Answer

A physician is found to have committed malpractice while working a second job at a different, unaffiliated clinic.

Answer

A patient's car is damaged in the clinic's parking lot by a delivery driver from a separate company.

Question 4

For which of the following procedures is obtaining written informed consent MOST likely required?

Accepted Answer

A minor surgical procedure performed in the office, such as a mole removal.

Answer

Measuring a patient's blood pressure and heart rate.

Answer

Administering a seasonal flu vaccine.

Answer

Providing a patient with a sample of a non-prescription antacid.

Question 5

A patient's attorney calls the medical office requesting a copy of their client's complete medical record for a disability claim. Which of the following is the MOST appropriate initial action for the CMAA to take?

Accepted Answer

Request a written, HIPAA-compliant authorization form signed by the patient before releasing any information.

Answer

Immediately fax the records to the attorney's office to be helpful.

Answer

Tell the attorney that medical records can never be released to a third party.

Answer

Provide the records after verifying the attorney's identity over the phone.

Question 6

Which of the following constitutes an example of administrative malpractice by a CMAA?

Accepted Answer

Failing to record a patient's stated allergy to penicillin, leading to an incorrect prescription.

Answer

Recommending an over-the-counter medication to a patient.

Answer

Discussing a patient's difficult diagnosis with a coworker in the breakroom.

Answer

Refusing to schedule an appointment for a patient who has an outstanding balance.