Free NCMA Medical Law and Ethics Questions and Answers

Question 1

A patient's friend calls the office to ask about the patient's recent lab results. According to HIPAA, how should the medical assistant respond?

Accepted Answer

State that you cannot confirm or deny whether the individual is a patient or share any information.

Answer

Provide the results since the caller identified themselves as a friend.

Answer

Ask the friend to answer security questions about the patient before providing the results.

Answer

Tell the friend to call back when the physician is available.

Question 2

An unconscious patient is brought to the emergency room with a life-threatening injury. The medical team begins treatment immediately. What type of consent is this?

Accepted Answer

Implied Consent

Answer

Informed Consent

Answer

Expressed Consent

Answer

No consent is needed

Question 3

Which of the following is a key requirement of the HIPAA Security Rule for protecting electronic PHI (ePHI)?

Accepted Answer

Implementing technical safeguards like access controls and encryption.

Answer

Ensuring all paper charts are stored in alphabetical order.

Answer

Requiring patients to sign a consent form for every visit.

Answer

Mailing appointment reminders to patients' home addresses.

Question 4

For consent to be considered 'informed,' which of the following elements must be explained to the patient?

Accepted Answer

The nature of the procedure, its risks, benefits, and available alternatives.

Answer

The provider's medical school and residency information.

Answer

The cost of the procedure compared to other local clinics.

Answer

The names of all staff members who will be in the room.

Question 5

A medical assistant notices a coworker's computer screen, which displays a patient's record, is visible to people in the waiting room. What is this situation considered?

Accepted Answer

A potential HIPAA breach

Answer

A standard office practice

Answer

An example of implied consent

Answer

A requirement of the Security Rule

Question 6

A 16-year-old patient seeks treatment for a sexually transmitted infection without their parents' knowledge. In most states, what is the medical assistant's legal responsibility regarding consent?

Accepted Answer

Proceed with treatment based on the minor's own consent.

Answer

Refuse treatment until a parent or guardian provides consent.

Answer

Notify the parents immediately about the patient's visit and diagnosis.

Answer

Require the patient to sign an additional waiver due to their age.