EMT Legal and Ethical Issues Flashcards

HIPAA regulations require EMTs to:

Answer: Protect the privacy of patient health information

HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) mandates that protected health information be kept confidential and only shared on a need-to-know basis.

Good Samaritan laws generally protect:

Answer: Off-duty rescuers who act in good faith without expecting payment

Good Samaritan laws offer limited liability protection to bystanders and off-duty medical personnel who voluntarily assist in an emergency without expectation of compensation.

Expressed consent must include all of the following EXCEPT:

Answer: The patient's agreement to pay for services

Expressed (informed) consent requires disclosure of information, patient capacity, and a voluntary decision — payment agreement is not a component.

Which condition must be met for a patient's refusal of care to be legally valid?

Answer: The patient must be alert and oriented and demonstrate decision-making capacity

A valid refusal requires the patient to have decision-making capacity — they must understand the situation, the risks of refusing, and be free from impairment.

Which of the following is an example of assault in the EMS context?

Answer: Threatening a patient that you will restrain them if they do not comply

Assault is placing a person in reasonable fear of immediate bodily harm — a threat of restraint without legal justification qualifies.

EMTs are mandatory reporters for:

Answer: Suspected child abuse or neglect

EMTs are mandated by law in all US states to report suspected child abuse or neglect to the appropriate authorities.