CMAA Medical Law and Ethics 2

Question 1

Which legal doctrine holds physicians responsible for their employees' actions?

Accepted Answer

Respondeat superior

Answer

Respondeat superior holds employers vicariously liable for employees' negligent actions within employment scope.

Question 2

What is the primary purpose of informed consent?

Accepted Answer

Ensure the patient understands the procedure, risks, benefits, and alternatives

Answer

Informed consent ensures patients understand proposed treatment including risks, benefits, and alternatives for voluntary, knowledgeable decisions.

Question 3

A CMAA discovers a coworker accessing records without a work-related reason. What should they do?

Accepted Answer

Report to the privacy officer or practice manager

Answer

Unauthorized record access is a HIPAA violation that should be reported through proper compliance channels.

Question 4

What does 'standard of care' mean in medical law?

Accepted Answer

Care a reasonably competent provider would deliver under similar circumstances

Answer

Standard of care is the level a reasonably competent provider with similar training would deliver in similar circumstances.

Question 5

Which federal law prevents hospitals from turning away patients based on ability to pay?

Accepted Answer

EMTALA

Answer

EMTALA requires Medicare-participating hospitals with ERs to provide screening and stabilizing treatment regardless of ability to pay.

CMAA - Certified Medical Administrative Assistant Practice Test