RMA Medical Law and Ethics 3

Question 1

When a physician documents 'objective' findings in a SOAP note, which of the following would be considered an objective finding?

Accepted Answer

Lung auscultation reveals bilateral crackles; temperature 38.6°C

Answer

Objective findings are measurable, observable data gathered by the clinician — such as physical exam findings (crackles on auscultation) and vital signs (measured temperature) — as opposed to what the patient reports.

Question 2

Which federal act establishes patients' rights to access their medical records, request amendments, and receive an accounting of disclosures?

Accepted Answer

HIPAA Privacy Rule

Answer

The HIPAA Privacy Rule (45 CFR Part 164) specifically grants patients the right to access their PHI, request corrections, and receive an accounting of non-routine disclosures made without their authorization.

Question 3

What is the statute of limitations and why is it important in medical malpractice cases?

Accepted Answer

The time period within which a plaintiff must file a lawsuit after an injury occurs

Answer

The statute of limitations is the legally defined window of time — varying by state and case type — within which a patient (plaintiff) must initiate a malpractice lawsuit; failing to file within this period permanently bars the claim.

Question 4

A physician delegates a task to a medical assistant that is outside the medical assistant's training and scope of practice. If the patient is harmed, which legal concept holds the physician primarily responsible?

Accepted Answer

Negligent delegation

Answer

Negligent delegation occurs when a supervisor assigns a task to a person who lacks the competency, training, or legal authority to perform it safely; the delegating physician bears legal responsibility for any resulting patient harm.

Question 5

Which type of consent is typically documented when a patient agrees to have blood drawn for routine lab work?

Accepted Answer

Implied consent

Answer

Implied consent is inferred from a patient's actions — such as extending their arm for a blood draw — and is considered sufficient for routine, low-risk procedures with obvious intent.

RMA Practice Test

RMA Practice Test

RMA Medical Law and Ethics 3