Legal and Ethical Issues for Health Professions,
5th Edition (Elsevier, 2026)
Chapter 1 Examination: Introduction to Law and
Ethics in Healthcare
SECTION I: Introduction to Law & Ethics in Healthcare
(Questions 1–7)
Q1: Which of the following best describes the primary purpose of law in healthcare?
A. To establish the highest moral standards for all healthcare professionals
B. To serve as the minimum standard of behavior enforced by government to protect
society and maintain order
C. To replace ethical decision-making in complex clinical situations
D. To provide voluntary guidelines that professionals may choose to follow
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct because law represents the minimum standard of behavior that is
mandatory and enforceable by government, designed to protect society, provide order,
resolve disputes, and establish standards of conduct. Per Elsevier Chapter 1, law
operates externally through enforcement mechanisms, whereas ethics represents a
higher, aspirational standard.
Q2: A state legislature passes a new statute regulating the scope of practice for nurse
practitioners. This statute is an example of which source of law?
A. Constitutional law
B. Statutory law
C. Administrative law
D. Case law
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct because statutory law consists of laws enacted by legislative bodies
such as Congress, state legislatures, and local governing bodies. Nurse practice acts
and medical practice acts are classic examples of state statutory law that define
professional scope, licensing requirements, and regulatory frameworks for healthcare
providers.
, Q3: The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issues a new rule regarding
hospital reimbursement protocols. This rule is an example of which source of law?
A. Statutory law
B. Case law
C. Administrative law
D. Constitutional law
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct because administrative law consists of rules and regulations created
by administrative agencies such as CMS, FDA, DEA, OSHA, state health departments,
and professional licensing boards. These agencies have delegated authority to create
detailed regulations that implement and enforce statutory frameworks.
Q4: A healthcare provider is sued for medical malpractice. The court's final decision in
this case establishes a precedent that lower courts in the same jurisdiction must follow.
This judicial principle is known as:
A. Res judicata
B. Stare decisis
C. Habeas corpus
D. Subpoena duces tecum
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct because stare decisis is the legal doctrine requiring courts to follow
precedents established by prior decisions in similar cases. Per Elsevier Chapter 1, case
law (common law) evolves through judicial decisions, and appellate court decisions
create binding precedent that shapes healthcare law and practice standards over time.
Q5: Which statement accurately distinguishes criminal law from civil law in the
healthcare context?
A. Criminal law involves disputes between individuals, while civil law involves offenses
against society
B. Criminal law is prosecuted by the government with potential penalties including
imprisonment, while civil law involves plaintiff-initiated lawsuits seeking monetary
damages or injunctions
C. Criminal law requires proof by preponderance of the evidence, while civil law
requires proof beyond a reasonable doubt
D. Criminal law applies only to physicians, while civil law applies to all healthcare
5th Edition (Elsevier, 2026)
Chapter 1 Examination: Introduction to Law and
Ethics in Healthcare
SECTION I: Introduction to Law & Ethics in Healthcare
(Questions 1–7)
Q1: Which of the following best describes the primary purpose of law in healthcare?
A. To establish the highest moral standards for all healthcare professionals
B. To serve as the minimum standard of behavior enforced by government to protect
society and maintain order
C. To replace ethical decision-making in complex clinical situations
D. To provide voluntary guidelines that professionals may choose to follow
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct because law represents the minimum standard of behavior that is
mandatory and enforceable by government, designed to protect society, provide order,
resolve disputes, and establish standards of conduct. Per Elsevier Chapter 1, law
operates externally through enforcement mechanisms, whereas ethics represents a
higher, aspirational standard.
Q2: A state legislature passes a new statute regulating the scope of practice for nurse
practitioners. This statute is an example of which source of law?
A. Constitutional law
B. Statutory law
C. Administrative law
D. Case law
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct because statutory law consists of laws enacted by legislative bodies
such as Congress, state legislatures, and local governing bodies. Nurse practice acts
and medical practice acts are classic examples of state statutory law that define
professional scope, licensing requirements, and regulatory frameworks for healthcare
providers.
, Q3: The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issues a new rule regarding
hospital reimbursement protocols. This rule is an example of which source of law?
A. Statutory law
B. Case law
C. Administrative law
D. Constitutional law
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct because administrative law consists of rules and regulations created
by administrative agencies such as CMS, FDA, DEA, OSHA, state health departments,
and professional licensing boards. These agencies have delegated authority to create
detailed regulations that implement and enforce statutory frameworks.
Q4: A healthcare provider is sued for medical malpractice. The court's final decision in
this case establishes a precedent that lower courts in the same jurisdiction must follow.
This judicial principle is known as:
A. Res judicata
B. Stare decisis
C. Habeas corpus
D. Subpoena duces tecum
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct because stare decisis is the legal doctrine requiring courts to follow
precedents established by prior decisions in similar cases. Per Elsevier Chapter 1, case
law (common law) evolves through judicial decisions, and appellate court decisions
create binding precedent that shapes healthcare law and practice standards over time.
Q5: Which statement accurately distinguishes criminal law from civil law in the
healthcare context?
A. Criminal law involves disputes between individuals, while civil law involves offenses
against society
B. Criminal law is prosecuted by the government with potential penalties including
imprisonment, while civil law involves plaintiff-initiated lawsuits seeking monetary
damages or injunctions
C. Criminal law requires proof by preponderance of the evidence, while civil law
requires proof beyond a reasonable doubt
D. Criminal law applies only to physicians, while civil law applies to all healthcare
