AHMS 175 - Medical Law and Ethics

Credit(s): 3

This course is designed to prepare the medical office assistant for a variety of legal situations that arise in the medical office setting. Content stresses the importance of medical office personnel having knowledge of the law, personal protection, patient protection, physician protection, the duties of the physician, responsibility and standard of care. The course also examines case law, the difference between civil and criminal law, contracts, malpractice, and the economic impacts and offers a comprehensive vocabulary of legal terms. (Spring Semester)

Course Learning Outcomes: Upon completion of the course, students will be able to

Define the elements of a contract as it applies to health care.
Apply HIPAA concepts according to the law.
Differentiate between criminal and civil law in relation to medical treatment.
Discuss tort liability, contractual rights of physicians and patients and the concept of standard of care explore professional liability lawsuits.
Explain the purpose of the medical record and importance of appropriate documentation.
Discuss HIPAA confidentiality.
Identify and discuss current issues in ethics and bioethics.