Medical Ethics: Consent and Confidentiality

Study Notes

Definition: Agreement by a patient to undergo a medical procedure or treatment.
Types of Consent:
- Informed Consent: Patient is fully informed about the risks, benefits, and alternatives before agreeing.
- Implied Consent: Assumed in emergencies where immediate treatment is necessary and the patient is unable to consent.
- Express Consent: Clearly communicated, either verbally or in writing.
Considerations:
- Patients must be mentally competent to give consent.
- Consent can be withdrawn at any time.

Confidentiality

Definition: Obligation to protect patient information from unauthorized disclosure.
Key Points:
- EMTs must keep patient information private and share it only with authorized personnel.
- Exceptions include situations where there is a risk of harm to the patient or others, or mandated reporting (e.g., abuse).
HIPAA: Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act sets standards for the protection of medical information.

Advanced Directives

Definition: Legal documents that outline a patient's preferences for medical treatment in case they become unable to communicate.
Types:
- Living Wills: Specify desired medical treatments and interventions.
- Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care: Designates a person to make healthcare decisions on behalf of the patient.
Importance: EMTs should be aware of and respect advanced directives during patient care.

Scope of Practice

Definition: The procedures, actions, and processes that EMTs are permitted to undertake based on their training and certification.
Key Points:
- Varies by state and certification level (e.g., EMT-Basic, EMT-Intermediate, Paramedic).
- EMTs must operate within their defined scope to avoid legal repercussions.
- Continuous education and training are necessary to stay updated on changes in protocol and practice guidelines.

Medical Negligence

Definition: Failure to provide the standard of care that a reasonably competent EMT would provide, resulting in harm to the patient.
Key Elements:
- Duty: EMT had a duty to act.
- Breach: EMT failed to meet the standard of care.
- Causation: Harm resulted from the breach of duty.
- Damages: Actual injury or harm occurred.
Prevention: EMTs can reduce negligence risks through proper training, documentation, and adherence to protocols.

Agreement by a patient to undergo medical procedures or treatments.
Types of Consent:
- Informed Consent: Patient receives full information regarding risks, benefits, and alternatives prior to consent.
- Implied Consent: Assumed in emergencies when immediate treatment is essential and the patient cannot provide consent.
- Express Consent: Clearly articulated consent, whether verbally or in writing.
Considerations:
- Patients must be mentally competent to give or withdraw consent at any time.

Confidentiality

Obligation to safeguard patient information from unauthorized access.
EMTs must keep patient data private, sharing only with authorized individuals.
Exceptions arise in cases of potential harm to the patient or others, or when mandated reporting is required (e.g., abuse).
HIPAA: Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act establishes guidelines for the protection of medical information.

Advanced Directives

Legal documents that specify a patient's treatment preferences if they become unable to communicate.
Types:
- Living Wills: Detail desired medical interventions and treatment choices.
- Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care: Appoints a representative to make healthcare decisions on the patient's behalf.
Importance: EMTs must recognize and adhere to advanced directives during patient care.

Scope of Practice

Defines the procedures and actions EMTs are authorized to perform based on training and certification.
Varies by state and level of certification (e.g., EMT-Basic, EMT-Intermediate, Paramedic).
EMTs must work within their defined scope to avoid legal issues.
Continuous education and training are crucial to remain informed on updates to protocols and practice guidelines.

Medical Negligence

Defined as the failure to uphold the standard of care expected from a competent EMT, resulting in patient harm.
Key Elements:
- Duty: Obligation to act was present.
- Breach: Failure to meet the standard of care.
- Causation: Harm resulted directly from the breach of duty.
- Damages: Actual injury or harm occurred.
Prevention: EMTs can mitigate negligence risks through thorough training, proper documentation, and adherence to established protocols.

Description

This quiz covers essential concepts in medical ethics, focusing on patient consent and confidentiality. Key topics include the different types of consent, the importance of informed consent, and the obligations regarding patient information privacy under HIPAA. Test your understanding of these critical aspects of healthcare practice.