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
Under most state laws, a CMT may administer medications under the supervision of which professional?
Answer: A licensed nurse (RN or LPN)
CMTs work under the delegation and supervision of a licensed nurse (RN or LPN), who remains responsible for the overall medication administration process.
What is the legal term for intentionally touching a resident without their consent during medication administration?
Answer: Battery
Battery is intentional, non-consensual physical contact, which can occur if a CMT administers medication to a resident who has clearly refused.
A CMT makes a medication error and is unsure if it caused harm. The FIRST action should be:
Answer: Immediately notify the supervising nurse
The CMT must immediately notify the supervising nurse so that the resident can be assessed and appropriate action taken without delay.
Which document protects a healthcare worker who reports suspected elder abuse in good faith?
Answer: Mandatory reporter immunity statutes
Most states have mandatory reporter immunity laws that protect individuals who report suspected elder abuse in good faith from civil or criminal liability.
A resident with dementia is unable to communicate but grimaces when given medication. Ethically, the CMT should:
Answer: Stop and notify the nurse to assess for pain or refusal
Non-verbal signs such as grimacing may indicate discomfort or refusal and must be reported to the nurse for clinical assessment before continuing.
Which of the following best describes 'scope of practice' for a CMT?
Answer: The specific duties legally authorized by state law and certification
Scope of practice defines the specific duties a CMT is legally permitted to perform based on state statutes, regulations, and their certification.
If a CMT is asked to perform a task that exceeds their scope of practice, they should:
Answer: Refuse and report the request to their supervisor
A CMT must refuse any task outside their legal scope of practice and report the request to their supervisor to avoid liability and protect the resident.