Senior Care Legal and Ethical Issues

Question 1

Which federal law enacted in 1987 establishes rights for residents in US nursing homes?

Accepted Answer

The Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (OBRA 1987)

Answer

HIPAA

Answer

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Answer

The Affordable Care Act (ACA)

Question 2

Under HIPAA, when can a caregiver share a resident's medical information with a family member?

Accepted Answer

Only when the resident has given consent or the family member is the legal health care decision-maker

Answer

Any time a family member requests it

Answer

Whenever it seems to be in the resident's best interest

Answer

Never, under any circumstances

Question 3

What is informed consent in the context of senior care?

Accepted Answer

A process where the resident receives understandable information about a procedure and voluntarily agrees to it

Answer

A form signed upon admission that covers all future care decisions

Answer

Permission from the family to proceed with any treatment

Answer

A legal document that allows the care team to make all decisions

Question 4

A resident tells a caregiver that their family member is taking their personal money. What should the caregiver do?

Accepted Answer

Report the disclosure immediately to the charge nurse and document it as a potential financial abuse case

Answer

Investigate on their own to find out more details

Answer

Advise the resident to handle it themselves

Answer

Confront the family member directly

Question 5

What does an Advance Directive document allow a person to do?

Accepted Answer

State their wishes for medical treatment if they become unable to make decisions themselves

Answer

Appoint a financial power of attorney for all legal matters

Answer

Transfer their property to family members before death

Answer

Apply for Medicaid benefits in advance

Question 6

Which statement best defines elder abuse?

Accepted Answer

Intentional or negligent acts by a caregiver or trusted person that cause harm or serious risk to a vulnerable adult

Answer

Any conflict between a caregiver and a senior resident

Answer

Withholding praise or positive reinforcement from older adults

Answer

A resident complaining about care quality