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What is the primary purpose of a code of ethics in a profession?
What is the primary purpose of a code of ethics in a profession?
To serve as standards and guidelines for the group's professional actions and to inform the public of its commitment.
Who typically develops a code of ethics in a profession?
Who typically develops a code of ethics in a profession?
A professional society within a particular profession.
What is one of the main purposes of a medical laboratory code of ethics?
What is one of the main purposes of a medical laboratory code of ethics?
To inform the public about the minimum standards of the profession.
What does a code of ethics outline in a profession?
What does a code of ethics outline in a profession?
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What does a code of ethics serve as in a profession?
What does a code of ethics serve as in a profession?
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Why is a code of ethics important for medical laboratory professionals?
Why is a code of ethics important for medical laboratory professionals?
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What is the definition of a tort?
What is the definition of a tort?
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What is the purpose of malpractice insurance?
What is the purpose of malpractice insurance?
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What is respondeat superior?
What is respondeat superior?
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What is one way to avoid lawsuits in healthcare?
What is one way to avoid lawsuits in healthcare?
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What is the purpose of documenting incidents or occurrences?
What is the purpose of documenting incidents or occurrences?
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What is the standard of care in healthcare?
What is the standard of care in healthcare?
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According to the prevailing standard of care, what should a healthcare provider never do?
According to the prevailing standard of care, what should a healthcare provider never do?
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What does informed consent imply?
What does informed consent imply?
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What type of consent is necessary in emergency situations?
What type of consent is necessary in emergency situations?
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What is required for written consent?
What is required for written consent?
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What is the purpose of HIV consent?
What is the purpose of HIV consent?
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Who can give consent for medical treatment in the case of minors?
Who can give consent for medical treatment in the case of minors?
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What is the patient's right in refusing medical procedure?
What is the patient's right in refusing medical procedure?
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What is the definition of a tort?
What is the definition of a tort?
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Study Notes
Medical Laboratory Code of Conduct
- A code of ethics is a formal statement of a group's ideas and values that serve as standards and guidelines for professional actions and inform the public of its commitment.
- A code of ethics provides members of a profession with standards of behavior and principles to be observed regarding their moral and professional obligations.
- A professional society within a particular profession develops a code of ethics.
- The higher the degree of professionalism required, the stronger and more enforceable the code.
Purpose of Medical Laboratory Code of Ethics
- To inform the public about the minimum standards of profession and to help them understand professional medical laboratory conduct.
- To provide a sign of the profession's commitments to the public it serves.
- To outline the major ethical considerations of the profession.
- To provide general guidelines for professional behavior.
- To guide the profession in self-regulation.
- To remind medical laboratory professionals of their special responsibility when performing their duties.
Legal Issues: Tort
- A tort is a wrongful act against a person, property, reputation, or other legally protected right.
- Types of torts: battery, fraud, invasion of privacy, breach of confidentiality, malpractice, negligence, assault, and respondeat superior.
Malpractice Insurance
- Compensates insured in the event of malpractice liability.
- Individual workers are not typically targets of lawsuits.
- Workers may be named as codefendants, though.
- Depending on the risk, a worker may need a professional liability policy.
Avoiding Lawsuits
- Acquire informed consent before collecting specimens.
- Respect a patient's right to confidentiality.
- Strictly adhere to accepted procedures and practices.
- Use proper safety containers and devices.
- Listen and respond appropriately to a patient's request.
- Accurately and legibly record all patient information.
- Document incidents or occurrences.
- Participate in continuing education to maintain proficiency.
- Perform at the prevailing standard of care.
- Never perform procedures you are not trained to do.
Informed Consent
- Implies voluntary and competent permission.
- Requires adequate information given to the patient in nontechnical terms.
- Obtained before the procedure.
Expressed Consent
- Should be specific and cover all procedures to be performed.
- Verbal consent should be followed by an entry in the patient's chart.
- Written consent gives the best possible protection and must be signed by the provider and patient, witnessed by a third party.
Implied Consent
- Patient's actions imply consent.
- May be necessary in emergencies.
- Laws vary from state to state.
HIV Consent
- Most states have legislation for consent for HIV tests.
- Client must be advised on the test and its purpose, how the test will be used, and the meaning of the test and its limitations.
Consent for Minors
- A minor cannot give consent for medical treatment.
- Parental or guardian consent is required.
- Personnel who violate this rule are liable for assault and battery.
Refusal of Consent
- Patient has a constitutional right to refuse medical procedure.
- Refusal may be based on religious or personal beliefs.
- Refusal usually must be verified in writing.
Litigation Process
- Phase 1: Patient incident occurs or injury is recognized.
- Phase 2: Injured party consults an attorney, requests medical records, and takes case.
- Phase 3: Trial.
- Phase 4: Appeal.
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Description
Learn about the code of ethics in medical laboratories, including its purpose, development, and importance in guiding professional actions and informing the public.
