AHEA 110 - Medical Law and Ethics

3 Credits: (3 lecture)

Course Description
The course provides an introduction to the fundamentals of medical ethics and law. The student will gain a knowledge of law, medical ethics, and bioethics as they impact current health care practices. Special emphasis will be placed on documentation; types of consent; standard of care; physician-patient relationship; licensure and accreditation; and professional liability and malpractice. 

Text
Judson, Karen, Charlene Harrison, and Sharon Hicks. Law and Ethics for Medical Careers

9th ed. McGraw, 2021. Print.

Edge, Raymond S. John Randall Groves. Ethics of Health Car: A Guide for Clinical Practice

4th ed. Cengage, 2017

Objectives
A. Introduce and compare aspects of Law and Ethics.

B. Introduce principals of health care ethics.

C. Discuss ethical theories.

D. Discuss licensure, certification, Registration, Accreditation, and scope of practice of various health care professions.

E. Discuss business aspects and managed care operations in a healthcare setting.

F. Discuss the significance of confidentiality and patient rights in the medical office.

G. Cite the classifications of law, tort liability, and contracts.

H. Discuss physicians’ and patients’ rights and responsibilities.

I. Explain measures for the prevention of professional liability

J. Define current standards of practice.

K Discuss current health care issues and policies.

L. Define types of business arrangements appropriate to a physician’s office

M. Describe the procedures to follow for the purchase, regulation, and disposal of controlled substance.

N. Discuss current health care issues and policies.

P. Discuss policy in initiating or terminating medical treatment.

Content
Through application of classroom lectures, reading assignments, and group discussions, the following content will be presented:

A. Fundamentals of medical ethics and law in the medical office setting

B. Principles of documentation, reporting, and release of medical information

C. Ramifications of the patient-doctor relationship

D. Impact of current health care issues and policies

 

Student Evaluation
Objectives A - P: examinations and quizzes

Objectives A - P: ethical issue discussion

Objectives A - P: case study and group assignment(s)