Abandonment - AnswersDiscontinuation of a patient/provider relationship once established
Accreditation - AnswersNongovernmental process ensuring predetermined standards are met
Allegation - AnswersAssertion, claim, or statement in a legal proceeding
Amoral - AnswersWithout morals; indifferent to morality
Autonomous - AnswersIndependent and self-determining
Autonomy - AnswersPrinciple of self-determination; right to privacy and choice
Battery - AnswersCommission of bodily harm against another person
Beneficence - AnswersPrinciple of promoting good or well-being
Breach of contract - AnswersAct of breaking a contract or legal duty
Capacity - AnswersAbility to understand health care conditions and make decisions
independently
Character - AnswersQualities defining a person's moral nature
Civil action - AnswersLegal action to protect the private rights of individuals
Civil law - AnswersLegal matters other than criminal ones; includes torts and contracts
Civil rights - AnswersRights granted to U.S. residents by the Constitution and legislative acts
Code of ethics - AnswersSet of rules addressing ethical standards of a professional group
Competency - AnswersHaving knowledge, skill, and ability to perform tasks independently
Confidentiality - AnswersPrecept by which patient information is kept in confidence
Contributory negligence - AnswersAction contributing to harm or injury of an individual
Criminal action - AnswersLegal action taken in a court of law to protect society
Criminal law - AnswersLaws established to prevent harm to society and prescribe punishment
Defamation - AnswersMaliciously making a false statement that injures another's reputation
Defendant - AnswersPerson being sued in a civil case or charged with a crime
Dental record - AnswersComprehensive file of assessment findings, treatments, and contacts
Deposition - AnswersOut of court testimony given under oath and recorded by a court reporter