Download This PaperChapter: “Health Law and Ethics”
In Health Systems Science (Susan Skochelak, ed., 2d ed. Elsevier 2019).
41 Pages Posted: 17 Aug 2020
Date Written: 2019
Abstract
Law and ethics are both essential attributes of a high-functioning health care system and powerful explainers of why the existing system is so difficult to improve. U.S. health law is not seamless; rather, it derives from multiple sources and is based on various theories that may be in tension with one another. There are state laws and federal laws, laws setting standards and laws providing funding, laws reinforcing professional prerogatives, laws furthering social goals, and laws promoting market competition. Complying with law is important, but health professionals also should understand that the legal and ethical constraints under which health systems operate must themselves adapt if health systems science is to advance.
Keywords: Law & ethics, health care systems, fiduciary duty, conflict of interest, professional self-regulation, market competition, fraud, abuse, privacy, confidentiality, health insurance, informed consent to treatment, medical malpractice & redressing error, withholding & withdrawing care
JEL Classification: I11, I13, I14, K32
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation
William Matthew Sage
University of Texas at Austin School of Law ( email )
727 East Dean Keeton Street
Austin, TX 78705
United States
I. Glenn Cohen
Harvard Law School ( email )
1525 Massachusetts Avenue
Griswold Hall 503
Cambridge, 02138
United States
Allison K. Hoffman (Contact Author)
University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School ( email )
3501 Sansom Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
United States
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