mitc
03
glos

adult
Someone who is 18 years of age or older
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advance directive
Written documents that detail the patient's wishes regarding health care decisions; consists of the living will and the durable power of attorney
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agent
Someone who has the authority to represent another person
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assault
Any threatened or implied act, whether carried out or not
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autonomy
Self-determination; making decisions for oneself
NOAUDIO
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battery
Unauthorized touching of another person
NOAUDIO
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breach of contract
When one of the parties in a contract fails to fulfill his or her part of the agreement
NOAUDIO
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code of ethics
Principles created by professional organizations to serve as a guide for the conduct of workers in that profession
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confidentiality
Preserving the legal right of a patient to privacy concerning his or her medical affairs
NOAUDIO
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consent
To give permission; permission that is given
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contract
Promise that is enforceable by law
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damages
Money to compensate for an injury or loss
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defamation of character
A legal charge for disclosing unauthorized information that could harm the reputation of another
NOAUDIO
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discreet
Being careful about what you say, preserving confidences, and respecting privacy
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durable power of attorney for health care
The part of the advance directive that designates specific people to act on the patient's behalf if he or she is unable to make health care decisions. Courtesy of Choice in Dying, Inc., 1035 30th St., N.W., Washington, DC 20007-3823, 1-800-989-WILL
NOAUDIO
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emancipated minor
Someone under the age of 18 who is financially independent, married, or in the military
NOAUDIO
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ethical dilemma
A situation in which the underlying principles of an ethical system appear to contradict each other and there is no clear answer
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ethics
A system of principles (fundamental truths) a society develops to guide decision making about what is right and wrong; this system helps people deal with difficult and complex problems that sometimes lack easy answers
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euthanasia
Performing a deliberate action that results in a painless, easy death for individuals with an incurable disease; same as mercy killing
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express consent
Permission that is given in writing
NOAUDIO
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express contract
Result of the parties' discussing and agreeing on specific terms and conditions
NOAUDIO
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false imprisonment
A legal claim patients can charge if they are held against their will, unless they are mentally incompetent or a danger to themselves
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fraud
A form of dishonesty that involves cheating or trickery
NOAUDIO
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implied consent
Permission for procedures indicated by the patient's actions, for example, showing up for a medical appointment, opening the mouth for the dentist to administer an injection, or participating in therapeutic exercises
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implied contract
When the actions of the parties create a contract without it being detailed in writing
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informed consent
Permission given for a procedure after both the procedure and the possible benefits and consequences have been explained
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invasive procedures
Punctures or incisions of the skin or insertion of instruments or foreign material into the body
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justice
Fairness
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legislation
Laws
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libel
A legal charge for defamation of character committed in writing
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living will
The part of the advance directive that outlines the individual's wishes regarding the type and extent of care to be given. Courtesy of Choice in Dying, Inc., 1035 30th St., N.W., Washington, DC 20007-3823, 1-800-989-WILL
NOAUDIO
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malpractice
Professional negligence
NOAUDIO
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mercy killing
Performing a deliberate action that results in a painless, easy death for individuals with an incurable disease; same as euthanasia
NOAUDIO
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negligence
Failure to meet the standard of care that can be reasonably expected from a person with certain training and experience
NOAUDIO
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principles
Fundamental truths
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protocols
Standard methods of performing tasks
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respondeat superior
An individual, such as an employer, who is legally responsible for the behavior and actions of his or her employees
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slander
A legal charge for defamation of character committed in a spoken form
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values
Standards that provide the foundation for making decisions and guiding behavior
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