Medical Law and Ethics Flashcards
6 cards from real CMAA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Medical Law and Ethics flashcards as text
Which legal doctrine holds physicians responsible for their employees' actions?
Answer: Respondeat superior
Respondeat superior holds employers vicariously liable for employees' negligent actions within employment scope.
What is the primary purpose of informed consent?
Answer: Ensure the patient understands the procedure, risks, benefits, and alternatives
Informed consent ensures patients understand proposed treatment including risks, benefits, and alternatives for voluntary, knowledgeable decisions.
A CMAA discovers a coworker accessing records without a work-related reason. What should they do?
Answer: Report to the privacy officer or practice manager
Unauthorized record access is a HIPAA violation that should be reported through proper compliance channels.
What does 'standard of care' mean in medical law?
Answer: Care a reasonably competent provider would deliver under similar circumstances
Standard of care is the level a reasonably competent provider with similar training would deliver in similar circumstances.
Which federal law prevents hospitals from turning away patients based on ability to pay?
Answer: EMTALA
EMTALA requires Medicare-participating hospitals with ERs to provide screening and stabilizing treatment regardless of ability to pay.
What is the statute of limitations in medical malpractice?
Answer: Time period to file a malpractice lawsuit
The statute of limitations is the legal deadline for filing a malpractice lawsuit, varying by state from one to six years.