HSM-202: Ethics & Law in Health Care

Explore the intersection of law, ethics, and healthcare with a focus on professional practice and patient rights. This course covers key legal topics such as malpractice, contracts, and health records, while addressing ethical issues including confidentiality, reproductive rights, and end-of-life care. Students will develop the skills to make informed, ethical decisions that ensure compliance and uphold patient-centered care.

Course Description

HSM-202: Ethics & Law in Health Care provides an in-depth look at the legal and ethical responsibilities shaping today’s healthcare environment. The course begins with an overview of the U.S. legal system and its application to healthcare organizations, including regulations, contracts, malpractice, and tort liability. Students will also explore the legal significance of health records, recognizing their importance in both patient care and legal proceedings.

The ethical component of the course addresses complex issues such as patient confidentiality, reproductive health, professional conduct, and end-of-life decision-making. Through case studies and applied scenarios, students will practice ethical reasoning and evaluate how laws and ethical frameworks guide decisions in real-world healthcare settings.

By the end of the course, students will understand how to balance regulatory compliance with ethical responsibility, ensuring they are prepared to navigate sensitive challenges with professionalism and integrity. This knowledge is particularly valuable for those pursuing careers in healthcare administration, health services management, and allied health professions.

Textbook: Applied Law and Ethics in Health Care (1st Edition) by Wendy Mia Pardew

Course Objectives

Explain the structure of the U.S. legal system and its relevance to healthcare.

Identify key healthcare laws, regulations, and professional responsibilities.

Analyze legal issues including contracts, malpractice, and tort liability.

Apply ethical principles to challenges in patient confidentiality, reproductive health, and end-of-life care.

Evaluate the intersection of law and ethics in healthcare decision-making.

Demonstrate ethical reasoning in professional scenarios to ensure patient-centered care.

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Course Contents

The Big Business of Health Care and You

Laws and Regulations You Will Encounter

From the Constitution to the Courtroom

Criminal Acts and Intentional Torts

What Makes a Contract

Medical Malpractice and Other Lawsuits

The Health Record

Introduction to Ethics

Laws and Ethics of Patient Confidentiality

Professional Ethics and the Living

Reproductive Issues and Early Life

Death and Dying

Single Course or Program Option

This course may be purchased individually or as part of the certificate programs listed below.

Health Services Management

Recommended Prerequisites

Accreditation You Can Trust

Washington Technical Institute is fully accredited by the Middle States Association Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools (MSA-CESS)—a regional accrediting agency recognized for setting high standards in education. This accreditation affirms that our programs, operations, and outcomes meet rigorous academic and institutional benchmarks. MSA-CESS accreditation is a mark of quality that ensures our students receive an education that is both credible and respected. It also means WTI is committed to continuous improvement, student success, and accountability at every level.