Includes bibliographical references (p. 320-328) and index.

From examining room to courtroom -- Functioning within the legal system -- Crime and punishment : intent makes the difference -- Your words may form a contract -- Anatomy of a medical malpractice case -- Health care is big business -- The medical record : the medical assistant's responsibility -- Introduction to ethics -- Privacy, confidentiality, privileged communication : a nexus of law and ethics -- BIrth and the beginning of life -- Professional ethics and the living -- Ethics : death and dying.