Overview of Patient Rights and Ethical Principles Tested
The questions about patient rights and ethics typically comprise 13% (8% Client Rights + 5% Legal/Ethical Behavior) of your exam. Here’s what you need to know:
Resident Rights:
- Right to privacy and dignity
- Right to refuse care
- Right to make choices
- Right to be informed
- Right to personal possessions
- Right to file grievances
- Right to participate in care planning
HIPAA Requirements:
- Protected health information (PHI)
- Confidentiality rules
- Information sharing guidelines
- Security measures
- Social media restrictions
- Consequences of violations
Ethical Principles:
- Autonomy (self-determination)
- Beneficence (doing good)
- Non-maleficence (avoiding harm)
- Justice (fairness)
- Fidelity (keeping promises)
- Veracity (truthfulness)
Legal Considerations:
- Scope of practice
- Negligence
- Abuse and neglect
- Mandatory reporting
- Documentation requirements
- Witness responsibilities
Professional Boundaries:
- Appropriate relationships
- Gift policies
- Personal information sharing
- Social media guidelines
- Professional distance
- Emotional boundaries
Abuse Prevention and Reporting:
- Types of abuse
- Signs and symptoms
- Reporting requirements
- Documentation
- Prevention strategies
- Protection measures
Advanced Directives:
- Living wills
- Healthcare power of attorney
- DNR orders
- Patient wishes
- Legal requirements
- CNA responsibilities
Quality of Life Issues:
- Dignity preservation
- Independence promotion
- Cultural respect
- Religious accommodation
- Personal preferences
- Social interaction
Key Exam Focus Points:
Rights Protection:
- Privacy maintenance
- Dignity preservation
- Choice respect
- Information protection
- Property security
Ethical Decision-Making:
- Resident-centered choices
- Professional behavior
- Conflict resolution
- Cultural sensitivity
- Religious respect
Legal Compliance:
- Documentation requirements
- Reporting obligations
- Scope of practice
- Confidentiality rules
- Safety standards
Remember These Critical Points:
- Resident rights are non-negotiable
- Privacy is paramount
- Documentation protects everyone
- Report concerns immediately
- Stay within scope of practice
The Exam Will Test Your Ability To:
- Protect resident rights
- Maintain confidentiality
- Report abuse/neglect
- Follow ethical principles
- Document appropriately
- Respect cultural differences
Important Concepts to Master:
- HIPAA requirements
- Abuse reporting
- Advanced directives
- Professional boundaries
- Documentation standards
- Ethical decision-making
This overview covers the fundamental legal and ethical concepts you’ll encounter on the CNA exam. Questions will often present scenarios requiring you to demonstrate your understanding of resident rights and appropriate ethical responses.
Understanding rights is crucial! Let’s explore ‘Ethics & Legal Common Mistakes’ to strengthen your knowledge.