Legal and Ethical Guidelines Flashcards
7 cards from real CMT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Legal and Ethical Guidelines flashcards as text
A resident refuses to take their prescribed medication. What is the CMT's legal obligation?
Answer: Document the refusal and notify the nurse
Residents have the legal right to refuse medications, and the CMT must document the refusal and report it to the supervising nurse.
Which federal law specifically protects the rights of nursing home residents, including the right to be free from unnecessary medications?
Answer: OBRA 1987
OBRA 1987 (Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act) established resident rights in long-term care facilities, including protections against unnecessary medications.
A CMT discovers a co-worker taking medication samples from a resident's supply. This is considered:
Answer: Medication diversion, a criminal offense
Taking medication from a resident's supply is medication diversion, which is a serious criminal offense and grounds for license revocation.
When must a CMT obtain a new medication order before administering a drug?
Answer: Whenever the original order has expired or been changed
A CMT must have a valid, current written order before administering any medication; expired or changed orders require new authorization.
The ethical principle of 'non-maleficence' requires a CMT to:
Answer: Avoid causing harm when administering medications
Non-maleficence means 'do no harm,' obligating the CMT to prevent injury or adverse outcomes during medication administration.
Which action by a CMT would constitute a HIPAA violation?
Answer: Discussing a resident's medications in the hallway where others can hear
Discussing a resident's protected health information in a public area where unauthorized individuals can hear is a HIPAA privacy violation.
A resident's family member asks the CMT for a list of the resident's medications. The CMT should:
Answer: Decline and direct them to the nurse or social worker
Family members do not automatically have access to a resident's medical information; the CMT should direct them to the nurse or social worker who can verify authorization.