Abuse
Intentional mistreatment or harm of another person, physically, emotionally, sexually, or financially
Advanced directives
Legal documents that state a patient’s wishes for medical care if they become unable to make decisions
Agent
A person authorized to act on behalf of another, especially in healthcare or legal decisions
Aphasia
A condition that impairs a person’s ability to speak, understand, read, or write, often caused by brain damage
Assault and battery
Assault is threatening harm; battery is the actual, unlawful physical contact with another person
Civil law
Law that deals with disputes between individuals or organizations, typically resulting in compensation rather than criminal charges
Clarification
The process of making a message clearer by asking questions or restating information
Communication
The exchange of information, ideas, or feelings between people through speaking, writing, or body language
Communication barrier
Anything that interferes with the clear exchange of a message between sender and receiver
Confidentiality
Keeping a patient’s personal and medical information private and only sharing it with authorized individuals
Consumer Bill of Rights and Responsibilities
A set of rights guaranteeing patients fair treatment, information, and participation in their own healthcare
Contract
A legally binding agreement between two or more parties
Criminal law
Law that deals with acts considered harmful to society, resulting in government prosecution and possible imprisonment
Cultural diversity
The variety of cultural backgrounds, beliefs, and practices among people in a group or society
Defamation
Making false statements about someone that damage their reputation, either spoken (slander) or written (libel)
Designation of healthcare surrogate
A legal document naming someone to make medical decisions on a patient’s behalf if they cannot
Durable power of attorney
A legal document giving a designated person authority to make financial or medical decisions for another
Ethics
A set of moral principles that guide a person’s behavior and decision-making, especially in professional settings
Expressed consent
Consent that is clearly and directly given, either verbally or in writing
False imprisonment
Unlawfully restricting a person’s freedom of movement without their consent
Feedback
The response or reaction a receiver gives back to the sender after receiving a message
Healthcare record
A written or electronic document containing a patient’s medical history, treatments, and care information
HIPAA
A federal law protecting the privacy and security of patients’ personal health information
Implied consent
Consent that is assumed based on a person’s actions or the circumstances, such as in an emergency
