HIM 1030 - Medical Law & Ethics

1. Discuss the principles of medical ethics as they apply to employment in a medical office.

a. Review the principles of medical ethics established by the American Medical Association.

b. Define terminology associated with medical ethics.

c. Discuss the patient’s rights and responsibilities in receiving medical care.

d. Outline procedures for maintaining confidentiality of patient records.

e. Summarize safeguards for preventing malpractice litigation against employees.

f. Discuss the physician-patient relationship.

2. Discuss the foundations of ethical conduct.

a. Identify the ethical response for the various situations in a medical facility.

b. Recognize unethical practices.

c. Determine appropriate behavior when asked for information about a patient and when a patient requests treatment advice.

d. Identify situations requiring a release-of-information or consent form.

e. Compare the value of improved medical technology with the ethical problems that may result.

3. Gain an understanding of HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996) and the impact on both individuals and health care providers.

a. Become familiar with the terms and entities related to implementing the HIPAA legislation.

b. Identify the four parts to HIPAA’s Administrative Simplification provisions:

i. HIPAA Electronic Transaction and Code Set Standards Requirements.

ii. HIPAA Privacy Requirements.

iii. HIPAA Security Requirements.

iv. HIPAA National Identifier Requirements.

c. Determine appropriate means of compliance and consequences of non-compliance.

d. Evaluate documents for mailability

e. Discuss the importance of personal and organizational image as reflected in error-free documents