Medical Law and Ethics Flashcards

Which document allows a designated person to make medical decisions for a patient who becomes incapacitated?

Answer: Durable power of attorney for healthcare

A durable power of attorney for healthcare designates a healthcare proxy who can make medical decisions if the patient loses decision-making capacity.

Mandatory reporting laws require medical assistants and other healthcare workers to report all of the following EXCEPT:

Answer: A patient's financial difficulties

Financial difficulties are not a reportable condition; mandatory reporting covers abuse, certain injuries, and communicable diseases.

Which ethical principle requires a healthcare provider to do good and act in the patient's best interest?

Answer: Beneficence

Beneficence means acting in the patient's best interest by providing beneficial care and promoting well-being.

The statute of limitations in a malpractice case refers to:

Answer: The time period within which a lawsuit must be filed

The statute of limitations sets the maximum time after an event within which legal proceedings may be initiated.

A patient refuses a recommended treatment. The medical assistant should:

Answer: Document the refusal and notify the physician

Competent adults have the right to refuse treatment; the refusal must be documented and the physician notified so appropriate steps can be taken.

Which of the following actions by a medical assistant could constitute fraud?

Answer: Intentionally upcoding services to receive higher reimbursement

Intentional upcoding to receive higher reimbursement is a deliberate act of deception that constitutes healthcare fraud.

The ethical principle of justice in healthcare primarily refers to:

Answer: Fair and equitable distribution of healthcare resources

Justice in healthcare ethics refers to fairness in the distribution of resources, benefits, and burdens among patients and populations.