The definition of law is closest to which of the following descriptions:

a. A set of moral standards and a code for behavior which governs an individual's interaction with others within society.

b. Societal rules or regulations that are advisable or obligatory to observe.

c. Ethical of biomedical technology and its practices.

d. Various codes of conduct that have been established through the years by members of the medical profession. 

b. Societal rules or regulations that are advisable or obligatory to observe.

Correct. Laws are mandatory rules for which all citizens must adhere or else risk punishment.

Ethics refers to:

a. a set of moral standards and a code for behavior that govern an individual's interactions with others in society.

b. mandatory rules for which all citizens must adhere.

c. federal and state government regulations.

d.regulations which protect the welfare and safety of society and resolve conflicts in an orderly and nonviolent manner.

a. a set of moral standards and a code for behavior that govern an individual's interactions with others in society.

Correct. Ethics often relate to morals and set forth goals which individuals strive to meet.

Bioethics refers to the ethical implications of biomedical technology and its practices.

True

False

Which of the following is NOT a reason to understand the importance of medical law, ethics, and bioethics:

a. To understand our own values, morals, and ethical stances.

b. To understand and appreciate the differences in moral reasoning among individuals and groups of individuals.

c. To understand and follow health care laws.

d. To promote bigotry and discrimination.

d. To promote bigotry and discrimination.

(a), (b), (c) are all important for recognizing the need to understand medical law, ethics, and bioethics.

Which one of the follow statements is NOT part of Blanchard and Peale's three "ethics check" questions?

a. Is it legal or in accordance with institutional or company policy?

b. Do I agree with the patient's decision about an ethical dilemma?

c. How would I feel about myself were I to read about my decision or action in the daily newspaper?

d. Does it promote a win-win situation with as many individuals (client/employee/employer) as possible?

b. Do I agree with the patient's decision about an ethical dilemma?

(a), (c), and (d) are all part of Blanchard and Peale's "ethics check" questions.

Medical technology is advancing at a more rapid rate than legal and ethical standards can address.

True

False

Match the following codes of ethics with the organization to which it is associated:

The Hippocratic Oath

First written in the fifth century B.C. and may still be found on the walls of many health care settings.

Match the following codes of ethics with the organization to which it is associated:

The Medical Assistant Code of Ethics

Adopted by the American Association of Medical Assistants.

Match the following codes of ethics with the organization to which it is associated:

The Nuremberg Code

Established as a result of the trials of war criminals after World War II.

Match the following codes of ethics with the organization to which it is associated:

The Declaration of Helsinki

An update on human experimentation. Includes guidelines for both therapeutic and scientific clinical research.

The characteristics of a professional health care employee include which of the following (choose all that apply):

a. the ability to be nonjudgmental

b. the ability to be confidential

c. the ability to be diligent and knowledgeable

d. to be honest and have integrity

a. the ability to be nonjudgmental

b. the ability to be confidential

c. the ability to be diligent and knowledgeable

d. to be honest and have integrity

All of the answers are important for a professional health care employee.

Making an ethical and/or bioethical decision is based on:

Accuracy, knowledge, and information of the particular issue

An individual's religious belief

The direction of the provider-employer

State and federal law

The cost effectiveness of the particular decision to be made

Accuracy, knowledge, and information of the particular issue

Increasing numbers of specialists in medicine make it easier to coordinate client care.

True

False

• A set of moral standards
• Code for behavior
• Governs individual interactions
• Different for everyone
• Culture bound
• No universal truth in ethics

• Ethical implications of medical treatment, technology, and procedures
• Life and death issues
• Moral issues or problems in modern medicine and research

Compare Law, Ethics, Bioethics

Codes of Ethics

• Hippocratic Oath
• Geneva Convention Code of Medical Ethics
• Nuremberg Code
• Declaration of Helsinki

• Is it legal? Within policy of organization?
• Does it promote win-win for client and health-care professional?
• How would you feel if a decision were published in your local newspaper?

Characteristics of a Professional Employee

• High moral standards
• Clear, open, honest
• Knowledgeable about beliefs, choices
• Recognizes diversity in health care
• Comfortable in “servant role”
• Tactful
• Listens more than speaks
• Treats clients with courtesy, respect
• Objective yet compassionate
• Caring, sensitive
• Skilled, educated
• Continues education
• Practices within scope of training
• Maintains confidentiality
• Contributes to the community