health care proxy

Medical term Medical Law and Ethics

A legal document naming a person to make medical decisions if the patient cannot; also the person named.

Sources

Related terms

fidelityThe ethical principle of faithfulness and keeping commitments to patients.
four Ds of negligenceThe elements a patient must prove for malpractice: duty, dereliction (breach) of duty, direct cause, and…
fraudIntentional deception of a person or group for personal gain.
Good Samaritan lawA law that protects health care professionals who give reasonable, prudent emergency care from civil…
implied consentConsent presumed from the situation, as in an emergency when the patient cannot agree.
informed consentA patient's voluntary agreement to a treatment after being told its purpose, risks, benefits and alternatives.
intentional tortA wrongful act the person knew, or should have known, was wrong, such as assault, battery or false…
just cultureAn approach that encourages open reporting of errors and fixes system causes while keeping fair…