Course Information

Course Title:

Health Rights & Responsibilities

Course Number:

HSM320

Course Description:

This course examines legal and ethical issues of healthcare services. Topics include legal relationships among providers, payers and patients, and issues of professional liability. Ethical aspects of rights and duties are explored in a healthcare context.

Course Prerequisites:

N/A

Course Specific Requirements

Enter content here, if necessary.

Software Citation Requirements

This course uses open-source software, and as the end users of this software, students are required to cite the software for any student work, such as assignments, labs, or projects, where the software has been utilized. Open-source software does have end-user license agreements, and all students should read the entire agreement for a software prior to installation or usage. In order to use the software in this course, software citations have been created for students and can be located on the Open Source Applications page. These software citations must be included in all student work submissions that have used the software.

Textbooks and Resources

Required Textbooks

The following books are required for this course:

Medical Law and Ethics


by Bonnie F. Fremgen




E-book Details

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Step 2: Register with VitalSource Bookshelf Online

  1. Select the "eBooks" tab at the top of the window.
  2. Select the cover of your eBook.  A new window will open.
  3. Check the box next to "Accept license agreement" and click "Continue."  Bookshelf Online will open.

Step 3: Access the Desktop and Mobile Versions
You must complete Step 2 prior to using the desktop or mobile versions.

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  2. Select your eBook.  Bookshelf Online will open.

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Download your eBooks and use them whether you're connected to the Internet or not.

 

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Download the app and get your eBooks on your iPhone, iPad, or Android device.

 

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Campus Additional Information

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Terminal Course Objectives

DeVry University course content is constructed from curriculum guides developed for each course that are in alignment with specific Terminal Course Objectives. The Terminal Course Objectives (TCOs) define the learning objectives that the student will be required to comprehend and demonstrate by course completion. The TCOs that will be covered in detail each week can be found in the Objectives section for that particular week. Whenever possible, a reference will be made from a particular assignment or discussion back to the TCO that it emphasizes.

1

Given the interrelationships among law, ethics, and bioethics, describe the differences in these disciplines and identify healthcare situations that call for the application of principles from each.

2

Given an understanding of the types and sources of law and the court system in the U.S., analyze the impact of malpractice concerns on the way healthcare professionals practice today.

3

Given the move to managed care, analyze the impact on the organization of medical practices and the role of allied health professionals in the delivery of care today; consider trends for the future.

4

Given an understanding of the legal basis for concern regarding liability for both physicians and allied health professionals, prepare a plan designed to prevent incidents of negligence in a medical office setting.

5

Given the need to protect the confidentiality of patient records, outline the legal requirements to report vital statistics, certain other patient information and conditions to governmental agencies; evaluate the rationale and justification for these reporting requirements.

6

Given that a medical office or other healthcare facility is a business, which needs to operate efficiently and effectively, understand the federal laws that affect the employer-employee relationship, with special attention to employment practices and safety considerations.

7

Given the continued debate surrounding abortion, develop a set of legal and ethical guidelines that can be applied to the issue in a medical practice setting.

8

Given the importance of informed consent, patient self-determination, advance directives, and the right to refuse treatment, apply these concepts to specific patient care situations in acute care, long-term care, and medical office settings.

9

Given that bioethical issues involving advances in technology and medical research, or concerning the beginning or end of life, occur in healthcare settings, analyze the role of ethics committees.

10

Given that healthcare costs continue to rise and that access to care and insurance coverage are uneven, analyze the pros and cons of rationing the most expensive types of medical procedures, such as organ transplantation.

Lab Schedule

Week 1

None
Citrix
RKON
Skillsoft
Toolwire
WebServer
ACC COMAT
ACC NonCOMAT
CWP

Week 2

None
Citrix
RKON
Skillsoft
Toolwire
WebServer
ACC COMAT
ACC NonCOMAT
CWP

Week 3

None
Citrix
RKON
Skillsoft
Toolwire
WebServer
ACC COMAT
ACC NonCOMAT
CWP

Week 4

None
Citrix
RKON
Skillsoft
Toolwire
WebServer
ACC COMAT
ACC NonCOMAT
CWP

Week 5

None
Citrix
RKON
Skillsoft
Toolwire
WebServer
ACC COMAT
ACC NonCOMAT
CWP

Week 6

None
Citrix
RKON
Skillsoft
Toolwire
WebServer
ACC COMAT
ACC NonCOMAT
CWP

Week 7

None
Citrix
RKON
Skillsoft
Toolwire
WebServer
ACC COMAT
ACC NonCOMAT
CWP

Week 8

None
Citrix
RKON
Skillsoft
Toolwire
WebServer
ACC COMAT
ACC NonCOMAT
CWP

Course Schedule

Week, TCOs, and TopicsReadings and Class PreparationActivities and Assignments
Week 1

TCOs 1 and 2

Introduction—Overview of Law, Ethics, and Bioethics

Chapter 1: Introduction to Medical Law, Ethics, and Bioethics 

Chapter 2: The Legal System 

Chapter 3: Importance of the Legal System for the Physician and the Healthcare Professional

Graded Discussion Topics

Week 2

TCOs 2, 3 and 6

Medical Practice in Managed Care Era

Chapter 4: Today's Healthcare Environment

Chapter 5: The Physician–Patient Relationship

Graded Discussion Topics

Week 3

TCOs 2, 4 and 8

Professional Liability/Medical Malpractice Issues

Chapter 6: Professional Liability and Medical Malpractice

Chapter 8: Workplace Law and Ethics

Graded Discussion Topics

Quiz 1

Week 4

TCOs 1 and 5

Protecting Private Health Records

Chapter 7: Public Duties of the Physician and the Healthcare Professional

Chapter 9: The Medical Record

Article in Doc Sharing: "Impact of HIPAA on Rural Healthcare"

Application Paper 1

Graded Discussion Topics

Week 5

TCOs 1, 7 and 9

Confidentiality and Bioethical Issues

Chapter 10: Patient Confidentiality and HIPAA

Chapter 11: Ethical and Bioethical Issues in Medicine

Graded Discussion Topics

Week 6

TCOs 1, 8 and 9

Ethical Dilemmas Related to Life

Chapter 12: Ethical Issues Relating to Life

Graded Discussion Topics

Quiz 2

Week 7

TCOs 1, 9 and 10

Issues of Death and Dying

Chapter 13: Death and Dying

Article in Doc Sharing: “Stages of Dying”

Application Paper 2

Graded Discussion Topics

Week 8
All TCOs
Final Exam

Blended E-Learning

This course is an 8-week, intensive course that includes both classroom-based and e-learning activities. Your participation in both areas is essential to your success in this course. You should expect to spend time each week participating in the prescribed activities both before and after our class meeting.

Participation before, during, and after class meetings is critical to your success in this intensive environment.

To get the most out of our weekly class meetings, it is essential that you come to class prepared. The weekly readings listed in the Course Schedule will prepare you for class. Our class meetings, in turn, will prepare you for upcoming exams and assignments.

Through the DeVry e-learning platform, you will be able to

  • review the Syllabus and weekly assignment information;
  • submit completed work for grading;
  • take quizzes and exams;
  • obtain copies of class handouts and notes;
  • e-mail the instructor and other students; and
  • participate in online discussion of class material.

iConnect Live

This course contains iConnect Live sessions that provide students with the opportunity to attend live presentations, which cover course materials, projects, and assignments. Please see the iConnect Live items for the days and times of the live sessions and for the link to enter each session. You will also receive e-mail reminders each week.

If you are unable to attend the live session, you can watch the recorded session by clicking on the Recordings link that will appear in the iConnect Live item after the lecture has concluded. Please contact your instructor with any questions.

Please note that because of unavoidable technological issues and presenter availability, the live lectures may be substituted with prerecorded lectures.

Due Dates for Assignments & Exams

Unless otherwise specified, the following applies.

  • Access to most weeks begins on Sunday at 12:01 a.m. mountain time (MT).
  • All assignments are to be submitted on or before Sunday at the end of the specified week that they are due, by 11:59 p.m. (MT).
  • All quizzes and exams are to be completed on or before Sunday at the end of the specified week that they open, by 11:59 p.m. (MT).

Note: Week 8 opens at 12:01 a.m. (MT) on the ending Sunday of Week 7. Any assignments or exams must be completed by 11:59 p.m. (MT) Saturday of the eighth week.

Due Dates for Assignments & Exams

All assignments, quizzes, and exams are to be completed per the schedule indicated by your instructor.

Assignment Values and Letter Grades

The maximum score in this class is 1,000 points. The categories, which contribute to your final grade, are weighted as follows.

Assignment Points Weighting
Discussions (40 points, Weeks 1–7) 280 28%
Quizzes (Weeks 3 and 6) 160 16%
Application Papers (Weeks 4 and 7) 300 30%
Final Exam 260 26%
Total Points 1,000 100%

All of your course requirements are graded using points. At the end of the course, the points are converted to a letter grade using the scale in the table below.

Letter GradePointsPercentage
A900–1,00090% to 100%
B800–89980% to 89%
C700–79970% to 79%
D600–69960% to 69%
F599 and belowBelow 60%

DeVry Graduate Academic Policy and Relevant Resources

DeVry Undergraduate Academic Policy and Relevant Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

When are grades calculated, and how can I view my grades?

  • You must complete any quizzes and post your written assignments (if necessary) to the weekly Dropbox by Sunday 11:59 p.m. (MT) each week, except Week 8 which closes at 11:59 p.m. (MT) Saturday.
  • Once your work is reviewed, you should see comments and total points for each assignment in the Gradebook. Instructors should have Discussion work graded by the following Tuesday and all other assignments by the following Friday.
  • You may check your progress at any time by going to the Gradebook, selecting the week and then your name.
  • Click on the points earned for each assignment in the Gradebook to see any instructor comments.

What should I do if a discrepancy is found with my grade?

  1. Double-check the error and try to determine what caused it.
  2. Send your instructor an email explaining your findings.
  3. Trust that any error in grading will be corrected quickly

What if I cannot get my work submitted on time?

  • If you have an emergency that will cause your work to be late, please contact your instructor in advance of the due date so that arrangements can be made. Your instructor may reserve the right to deduct points for work turned in late based on the reason and the timeliness of notice.
  • If a technical problem prevents you from meeting the scheduled due date, please contact the Help Desk at 1-800-594-2402 and immediately email your instructor about the situation.

How can I get extra credit?

Extra credit is not an option.

Questions and Concerns

Please feel free to contact me for help with coursework or other areas that may impact your progress. Here are some examples.

  • Do you have general questions about attendance, deadlines regarding your courses, student financial aid, or other areas? 
  • Are you a member of the military service? Do you need to adjust your schedule due to active duty, or do you have questions about your GI Bill® benefits or have other unforeseen military and veteran-related issues that have developed?
  • Do you need supplementary student assistance? Please let me know if you are having academic difficulty and would like an ADA accommodation. Although I can talk with you about getting assistance, an excellent point of contact is the Office of Student Disability Services. You can reach the Office by calling 877-496-9050, option 3, or by e-mailing adaofficer@devry.edu or adaofficer@keller.edu.

Regardless of your situation, please feel free to contact me for assistance in whatever area of concern you might have. I will do everything I can to assist you or put you in contact with University colleagues who are trained to assist you in whatever area of concern you might have.

"GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by the VA is available at the official U.S. government website: www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.”

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