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

The HIPAA Privacy Rule prohibits the disclosure of Protected Health Information (PHI) without the patient's explicit authorization. Confirming or denying that the individual is a patient and sharing any medical information would be a violation unless a specific authorization form is on file.

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

Implied consent is assumed when a patient is incapacitated and unable to provide consent in an emergency situation where immediate treatment is necessary to save their life or prevent serious harm. It is based on the principle that a reasonable person would consent to treatment in such circumstances.

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

The HIPAA Security Rule specifically addresses the protection of electronic health information. It requires covered entities to implement administrative, physical, and technical safeguards to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of ePHI.

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

Informed consent is a process, not just a signature on a form. It requires a thorough explanation of the proposed procedure, including its risks, benefits, and any available alternatives, so the patient can make a knowledgeable decision about their care.

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

This is an incidental disclosure that could lead to a HIPAA violation because reasonable safeguards were not taken to protect patient information. A breach is an impermissible use or disclosure of PHI that compromises its security or privacy.

NCMA - National Certified Medical Assistant Practice Test

NCMA - National Certified Medical Assistant Practice Test

Free NCMA Medical Law and Ethics Questions and Answers