Curriculum Committee – February 2016
MAST 2205 – Medical Law and Ethics
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I.
COURSE TITLE: Medical Law and Ethics
COURSE NUMBER: 2205
CATALOG PREFIX: MAST
II.
PREREQUISTITES: NONE
III.
CREDIT HOURS: 2
LABORATORY HOURS: 0
IV.
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Series of lecture and discussion of medico-legal issues. Includes requirements for licensure
certification and registration of medical professionals. Discussion and class exercises relate to the
correlation of medical office employees to the public, litigation in the medical workplace, use
consent forms, patient rights and confidentiality, the medical record, and collection or patient
accounts. Course includes lecture and discussion.
V.
GRADING:
To satisfactorily complete this course, the student must achieve a grade of B or above according
to the following system:
LECTURE HOURS: 2
OBSERVATION HOURS: 0
A = 90 - 100
B = 80 - 89 (A minimum grade of “B” is required for program continuation)
C = 70 - 79
D = 60 - 69
F = 0 - 59
VI.
ADOPTED TEXT:
Medical Law Ethics, and Bioethics for the Health Professions
7th edition
By: Marcia A. Lewis, Carol D. Tamparo and Brenda M. Tatro
ISBN# 978-0-8036-2706-2
VII.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
 Define the term law.
 Define the term ethics.
 Define the term bioethics.
 Compare the terms law, ethics, and bioethics.
 Explain the importance of ethics, law, and bioethics in the practice of medicine.
 List and discuss at least five ethical codes.
 Discuss some bioethical issues in medicine.
 Describe the characteristics that are important in a professional ambulatory health care
employee.
 Define the types of medical practice management.
 List two advantages and two disadvantages of each of the types of practice
 management for both the physician and the employee.
 Compare personnel needs in each of the types of practice management.
 Describe managed care options.
MAST 2205 – Medical Law and Ethics
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Define the term health maintenance organization (HMO).
Discuss HMO options.
Discuss joint ventures and preferred provider organizations.
Define the concept of general liability for physicians.
Identify physicians’ responsibilities to employees in medical practice management.
List and define the four categories Ambulatory Health Care employees.
List and define the three categories of nurses found in an ambulatory health care setting and
compare their education and training.
Provide at least three examples of non-licensed personnel in an ambulatory health care
setting.
List two similarities and dissimilarities between (1) a technician and a technologist and (2) a
physician assistant and a medical assistant.
Explain in a brief paragraph why knowledge of the law is necessary for ambulatory health
care employees.
Describe the source of law.
List the three branches of government in the United States.
Define the following terms: (a) constitutional law, (b) common law, (c) statutory law, (d)
administrative law, {e) plaintiff, (f) defendant, (g) felony, (h) misdemeanor.
List two similarities and two dissimilarities between criminal and civil law.
Review in diagram form, the process for (a) a civil case, (b) a misdemeanor case, and (c)
felony case.
List the three steps necessary for obtaining a narcotics registration.
Describe in outline form the office procedure to follow for administering and dispensing
controlled substances.
List the five schedules of controlled substances and give an example of each. Diagram the
federal court system and state court system.
List two factors that determine in which court a case is heard.
List two similarities and two dissimilarities between a subpoena and a subpoena duces tecum.
Explain, in your own words, the trial process.
Name two circumstances calling for an expert witness.
Identify four common requirements for a physician to be licensed.
Identify three conditions under which a physician’s license may be revoked.
Explain professional liability for physicians.
Discuss the meaning of standard of care.
Discuss confidentiality as related to the standard of care.
List three elements necessary for a contract to be valid.
Compare and contrast intentional and unintentional torts.
Identify the terms negligence and malpractice.
Identify the four D’s of negligence for physicians.
Define and discuss res ipsa loquitur and respondent superior.
Define the term statute of limitations and identify the three most common points for the
statute of limitations to begin.
Restate, in your own words, the importance of professional liability insurance.
Recall six guidelines of malpractice prevention.
List seven areas of public duties for physicians.
Discuss, in your own words, the importance of filling out birth and death certificates.
Identify three circumstances in which a county coroner or medical examiner would be called
to investigate a death.
Discuss the importance of prompt reporting of death of clients.
Describe the process necessary for reporting communicable and notifiable diseases.
Restate the protocol to use for reporting adverse events to vaccines and toxoids.
MAST 2205 – Medical Law and Ethics
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List at least four injuries that are reportable.
Discuss elder and child abuse laws.
Identify four types of professionals who are required to report suspected child abuse.
Describe the processed used in gathering and securing evidence in the ambulatory health care
setting.
Explain, in your own words, the drug abuse problem.
List four possible ways to prevent drug abuse in ambulatory health care.
Define the Good Samaritan Law.
Define the term consent and explain, in your own words, why consent is important.
Give an example of verbal consent, nonverbal consent, and written consent.
Compare informed and uninformed consent.
List the four elements of the doctrine of informed consent.
Identity the following special situations in consent: minors, spouses, language barriers and
when consent is not necessary.
Discuss the role of the ambulatory health care employee in obtaining consent.
Defines the term medical records.
List six purposes of medical records in the ambulatory health care setting.
Name and define two types of charting.
Define the term SOAP and its use in medical records.
Demonstrate by example how and when to correct an error in medical records.
Define the terms confidentiality and right to privacy as they relate to medical records.
Identify two circumstances in which a release of information is unnecessary.
Outline the process to follow when a subpoena is served.
Tell who owns medical records.
List and define two storage methods for medical records.
Explain in a short paragraph, the importance of collections.
List three guidelines for collections established by the Medical Group Management
Association.
List at least five appropriate items to be covered in a collection policy.
Identify the seven appropriate procedures to follow when collecting a bill by telephone or by
mail.
Identify the seven “collection don'ts” established by the Federal Trade Commission.
Explain the one important procedure to follow if a client is denied credit because of a poor
credit rating.
List nine steps to follow in selecting a collection agency.
Write a brief paragraph describing how personal feelings about individuals’ ability to pay
may influence their care.
Explain in your own words, the importance of correct hiring practices.
Recall one source of information on hiring practices beneficial to physicians.
List at least four necessary components of personnel policies.
Identify the three necessary elements of job descriptions.
Discuss office hours, workweek, benefits, and salaries.
Explain, in your own words, where and how to locate prospective employees.
List eight techniques for effective interviews.
Identify the five potential discrimination problems to consider when hiring.
Describe sexual harassment, Occupation Safety and Health Act, and
Americans with Disabilities Act as federal mandates.
Recall procedures for selecting the right employee.
Recognize steps that encourage employee longevity.
Discuss the impact of cultural influence on ambulatory health care.
Recall the components of cultural diversity.
MAST 2205 – Medical Law and Ethics
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Give an example of each component of cultural diversity.
Examine the concept of a new culture.
Identify any personal prejudice or bias and determine strategy to address it.
Define the term macro allocation of scams resources.
Describe how decisions are made at the macro allocation level.
Define the term macro allocation of scarce resources.
Describe how decisions are made at the macro allocation level.
Describe both systems of selection.
Name at least six diseases that can be detected by genetic testing.
Compare voluntary and mandatory genetic screening.
Describe three tests used for genetic testing.
Recall two indicators for amniocentesis and two possible outcomes.
Review the legal and ethical implications of sterilization.
Describe the Human Genome Project.
Define the term gene therapy.
Define artificial insemination by husband (AIH) and artificial insemination by donor (AID).
Identify circumstances that may warrant AIH and AID.
Describe in vitro fertilization and list its advantages and disadvantages.
Describe gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT) and list its advantages and
disadvantages.
Define zygote intrafallopian transfer (ZIFT) and when it is used.
Describe intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).
Define the term surrogacy.
Discuss at least two ethical and legal concerns in surrogacy.
State three guidelines for ambulatory health care employees concerning genetic engineering.
Define the terms abortion and miscarriage.
Describe the process of fetal development.
List five theories of when life begins.
Explain the methods of abortion.
Discuss The Supreme Court decisions on abortion from 1973 to the present.
Analyze three major ethical issues on abortion.
Describe the use of fetal tissue in research and transplantation.
Identify guidelines for abortion in ambulatory care.
Describe human immunodeficiency virus {HIV) infection and acquired immunodeficiency
syndrome (AIDS) disease process.
Name at least one opportunistic disease of AIDS clients.
Discuss at least four ethical implications related to HIV infection.
Identify at least three legal implications related to HIV infection.
Discuss the implications for ambulatory health care employees related to AIDS.
List at least eight generalizations about suffering and dying.
Compare short- and long-term suffering.
Describe the importance of medications for dying client
Identify and explain at least five psychologic factors affecting dying clients.
Discuss the stages of dying s defined by Kubler-Ross.
Describe the services of hospices for dying clients.
Differentiate between active euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide.
Discuss the Uniform Anatomical Gift Act.
Describe an autopsy and who may authorize one.
Explain the role of physicians and ambulatory health care employees in dying and death.
MAST 2205 – Medical Law and Ethics
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A. LEARNING OBJECTIVES

VIII.
Objectives meeting AAMA/CAAHEP Entry Level content: See attached addendum
COURSE METHODOLOGY:
Class will include a variety of learning experiences which may include but not limited to: lecture,
discussion, journaling, group work, audio-visual materials, critical thinking exercises, chapter and
workbook assignments, publisher supplemental materials, computer assisted learning, student
presentation, student projects, research paper, skill demonstration, skill competency, practical
scenarios, human patient simulation, tests/exams, and other as assigned by the instructor may be
utilized as appropriate to meet the course objectives.
Medical Assisting and Allied Health students are expected to apply information and knowledge
gained in this course to other health science courses, including practicum assignments.
IX.
COURSE OUTLINE:
Chapter 1 - Medical Law. Ethics, and Bioethics
Chapter 2 - Medical Practice Management
Chapter 3 - The Health-Care Team in Ambulatory Health Care
Chapter 4 - State and Federal Regulations
Chapter 5 - Professional Liability
Chapter 6 - Law for Health Professionals
Chapter 7 - Public Duties
Chapter 8 - Consent
Chapter 9 - Medical Records
Chapter 10 - Reimbursement and Collection Practices
Chapter 11 - Employment Practices
Chapter 12 - A Cultural Perspective for Ambulatory Health Care
Chapter 13 - Allocation of Scarce Medical Resources
Chapter 14 - Genetic Engineering
Chapter 15 - Reproductive Issues
Chapter 16 - End of Life Issues
SAMPLE Calendar Outline:
Week 1
Week 2
Week 3
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Exam Chapter 1 and 2
Chapter 3
Week 4 Chapter 4
Exam Chapter 3 and 4
Week 5 Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Week 6 Exam Chapter 5 and 6
Chapter 7
Week 7 Chapter 8
Exam Chapter 7 and 8
Week 8 Midterm Exam
Week 9 Chapter 9; Report Presentations
Week 10 Chapter 10; Report Presentations
Week 11 Exam Chapter 9 and 10
MAST 2205 – Medical Law and Ethics
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Chapter 11
Week 12 Chapter 12
Exam Chapter 11 and 12
Week 13 Chapter l3
Chapter 14
Week 14 Exam Chapter 13 and 14
Chapter l5
Week 15 Chapter 16
Exam Chapter 15 and 16
Week 16 Final Exam
WRITTEN AND ORAL REPORT:
Prepare a written and oral report discussing legislation related to current health care issues and
practices.
Each student will be assigned a specific subject relating to course topics by the instructor. The
report will discuss legislation related to current health-care issues and practices. The oral report is
to be presented from note cards only. A grade will be assigned to the oral and written reports
combined. The written report must include at least three sources that are to be documented in a
bibliography. (Your textbook may not be used as one of these three sources). Include in your
discussion, ethical and moral issues surrounding this subject.
X.
OTHER REQUIRED BOOKS AND MATERIALS:
It is highly recommended that students have a home computer, printer, internet access and a
personal USB storage device and a medical dictionary. Other as determined by instructor (refer to
instructor requirements).
Reference books and periodicals utilized for the course are located in the library.
XI.
EVALUATION:
Knowledge of content is evaluated by written exam, student performance of competency based
skills, assignments, and work projects per instructor. All exams are comprehensive. A quiz may
be given at instructors’ discretion. Competency-based skill performance is required on each skill
discussed and demonstrated. After completion of this course, the student will be requested to
complete a form to assist in evaluation of course content and instruction.
Class participation will be evaluated by the student’s ability to contribute to class discussion.
Points will be deducted on all assignments and quizzes for incorrect spelling or grammar.
Students must earn a passing average score of 80% on exams and must pass 100% of all
competencies with accuracy rate of 85%. Failure in any of these areas will result in failure of the
course.
No make-up tests will be given.
SAMPLE Final Grade Percentage Calculation:
Chapter Exams
Discussions/Coursework
Midterm and Final Exam
Written and oral report
30% of final grade (passing score required as above)
20% of final grade
30% of final grade (passing score required as above)
20% of final grade
MAST 2205 – Medical Law and Ethics
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XII.
SPECIFIC MANAGEMENT REQUIREMENTS:
Students registered for the online course must visit the introduction page for specific management
requirements.
To meet the objectives of the online/hybrid course, the students must visit the course web site by
the first day of the semester or they will be dropped from the course. The student must visit and
comply with the Online Course Requirements, Instructor Requirements and complete the Online
Readiness Checklist available on the SSCC website. Students are strongly advised to complete the
Online Success Workshops.
Plagiarism – basically, copying someone else’s ideas and/or words and passing them off as yours.
This includes copying and pasting material from your peers, books, the Internet, videos, and all
copyrighted material without express permission and proper documentation (use quotation marks
and citations/footnotes). Students observed or found to be cheating in any Health Science
Division course will be given a “zero” on the test or assignment. A written report of the incident,
signed by the instructor and the student, will be placed in the student’s permanent file. This
notice will remain on file and in effect for the remainder of the student’s enrollment in the Health
Science Division. Should a second incident of cheating occur in any Health Science Division
course, the student will be given a failing grade for the course and will be dismissed from the
Health Science Division for one year (all re-application guidelines apply) and possibly from
SSCC, as per college guidelines.
The “zero” grade for dishonesty will not be used as the drop grade in a course in which a drop
grade option is given. If a student allows another student to copy or cheat from their work, the
same ramifications will be given to that student as well. The student witnessing cheating is
morally obligated to report the incident to the instructor.
Successful attainment of the objectives of this course will be measured by the student passing all
competency-based exams (CBE), written assignments, other as assigned, and a final course grade
of A or B. Students will be graded on his/her performance of the competency-based skills listed
in the course description. Students must meet the passing average exam score requirement before
any other scores will be averaged into the final grade as a score (see XI. Evaluation)
Students will be required to complete exams/competencies at the times designated in the Course
Schedule. Students are required to participate in all class activities.
To meet the objectives of each course students must attend all scheduled classes. At the
beginning of the term all instructors will pass out a “Class Schedule”, which lists all class
meetings. If a student must miss class due to extenuating circumstances, as a professional
responsibility, the student is expected to inform the instructor via phone, e-mail, or voice
message should the instructor not be available.
Students will be allowed three (3) class absences. Absences over three times will result in a drop
of one letter grade from the final grade; the third absence will reduce a final grade of A to a B, a
B to a C (therefore removing a student from the program) or may drop the D to an F, requiring
repeat of the course. Two instances of significant tardiness and/or leaving early will be
considered equivalent to an absence for purposes of this calculation.
Faculty may withdraw students who have missed 20% of the total scheduled classes of a course
and issue a grade of WI to the student.
MAST 2205 – Medical Law and Ethics
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Students may withdraw from classes up to and including the week before final exams by giving
written notice of their intent to withdraw to the Student Services Office. Attendance in class is an
important part of the learning process. Excess absence may result in a failure. Faculty may count
attendance as part of the grading policy and a failure to officially withdraw may result in a failing
grade. Withdrawal from classes may affect the student’s academic status and/or financial aid. See
the FEE SCHEDULE section of the College Catalog for the policy on refunds and financial aid.
Any student who misses a scheduled competency, either demonstration or checkoff must make
an appointment, within one week of return to school, with the instructor to make up this portion
of the class. Failure to do so will result in a “Fail” for the competency, therefore failure of the
course. It is the students’ responsibility to make arrangements for this.
The instructor reserves the right to make changes to the syllabus at any time to fulfill the
objectives of the course. Notice of changes will be given at least one class prior to effect of the
change. Absence from class shall not excuse a student from being subject to the change.
XIII. OTHER INFORMATION:
Classroom Conduct: Civility in the classroom is very important. As professionals, we expect
students to conduct themselves in a courteous and respectful manner. Disruptive, rude, sarcastic,
obscene or disrespectful speech or behavior have a negative impact on everyone, and will not be
tolerated. Students need to remember that the online discussion boards and chat rooms in the
online course are considered classrooms and the same rules apply. Students will use these tools
in the online classroom for information that pertains to the course; it is not to be used for
personal exchanges of a social nature. If you engage in any such conduct you will be asked to
leave and you will receive a “zero” for any work completed on that day. The instructor reserves
the right to permanently remove a student from the class for inappropriate conduct after
consultation with the Department coordinator and Academic Dean.
Inclement Weather: In the event of campus delay (when this class start time is impacted by said
delay) the class will begin at the scheduled campus opening time to complete any remaining class
time permitted.
FERPA: Work submitted in this class may be seen by others. Others may see your work when
being distributed, during group project work, or if it is chosen for demonstration purposes. Other
instructors may also see your work during the evaluation/feedback process. Student assignments
and exams are kept on file for review by various Accrediting Boards of both the Medical
Assisting and Institutional Boards. On occasion papers may be traded with another student or
work-study for grading purposes.
Your papers may be submitted electronically to other entities to determine if references are cited
appropriately. Plagiarism is a serious offense. Work submitted by the student must be the
student’s own creation. The instructor reserves the right to fail any student who submits
plagiarized or duplicated work. A grade of “zero” will automatically be given to the duplicated
submissions. The instructor will be the sole judge in such cases. If a student cannot demonstrate
conclusively that a work was not copied or plagiarized or, in the case of the original author, was
copied without consent, the penalty will stand.
DISABILITIES: Students with disabilities may contact the Disabilities Service Office, Central
Campus, at 800-628-7722 or 937-393-3431.