5.6 Chapter Conclusion
Christine Malone, EdD
Summary
Healthcare law and ethics consist of rules and principles that govern healthcare practices, ranging from providing safe and quality care to patients to accurate billing and more. While laws are generally easier to understand and follow because they are written and come with clear penalties for violations, ethics can be more subjective and may vary in meaning from person to person.
All healthcare employees, regardless of their role, must stay within their scope of practice, report unsafe conditions, and advocate for the patients they serve. This includes adhering to legal requirements and upholding ethical principles in their daily practice.