Do you need this or any other assignment done for you from scratch?
We have qualified writers to help you.
We assure you a quality paper that is 100% free from plagiarism and AI.
You can choose either format of your choice ( Apa, Mla, Havard, Chicago, or any other)
NB: We do not resell your papers. Upon ordering, we do an original paper exclusively for you.
NB: All your data is kept safe from the public.
Crimes are generally classified as misdemeanors or felonies. A misdemeanor differs from a felony in the severity of the crime committed. A misdemeanor is a crime that is not considered to be severe and which when committed does not cause any harm to other people. Examples of crimes classified as misdemeanors include petty theft or driving under the influence of alcohol. On the other hand, felonies are crimes considered to be too severe and which when committed cause grave bodily harm to other people. Examples of felonies include violent robbery, rape and murder. Due to the degree of severity involved, the punishment imposed on people who have committed misdemeanors is less serious and includes either a fine or imprisonment for a period of less than one year, or both. The punishment imposed on people who commit felonies is more serious and mainly involves imprisonment in a state or federal prison for a period of more than one year (Maurer and Smith, 2004). In some states, felonies such as murder are punishable by the death sentence.
Criminal law is highly applicable in the healthcare sector chiefly because the healthcare professionals are in charge of the safety and lives of their clients. As a result, the actions taken by healthcare professionals can either have a positive or a negative impact on the lives of patients. It is therefore important for healthcare professionals to enter into a contract with their clients. A contract would not only protect the clients from harm but would also protect the healthcare professionals from any outcome resulting from negligence or violations of the contract on the part of the client. Maurer and Smith (2004) argue that, “the purpose of a written contract is to provide evidence of what the parties are mutually agreeing to do,” (p.132).
Violations of the criminal law by healthcare professionals are quite common in healthcare organizations. A good example of criminal violation involves a healthcare professional who believes that his/her opinion concerning the value of a client’s life is more important and therefore decides to accelerate the death of a client suffering from a chronic illness. This action is considered by law to be equal to murder and is therefore a felony. Other laws that are applicable to healthcare professionals include laws that protect the vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly and the disabled. Healthcare professionals who violate criminal laws and professional contracts are subject to punishment either by the state board of healthcare professionals or by the state/federal government depending on the nature and severity of the offense committed (Maurer and Smith, 2004).
Certain offenses committed by healthcare professionals such as mercy killing, incorrect diagnosis and negligent subscription of drugs can be grounds for the suspension or revocation of a healthcare professional’s license. In addition, because the healthcare professionals are in a delicate situation in which they can easily have an effect on the safety and health of their clients, they are required to conform to acceptable and healthy personal habits and abstain from harmful habits such as substance abuse. Healthcare professionals who engage in such a habit risk having their licenses suspended until they rectify their habits. Apart from license suspension/revocation, other punishments imposed on healthcare professionals include fines, imprisonment, parole and the loss of professional privileges such as promotion (Maurer and Smith, 2004). It is therefore important for healthcare professionals to conform to the criminal laws and the terms and conditions of their contracts.
Reference
Maurer, F.A. and Smith, C.M. (2004). Community/public health nursing practice: health for families and populations. New York: Elsevier Health Sciences.
Do you need this or any other assignment done for you from scratch?
We have qualified writers to help you.
We assure you a quality paper that is 100% free from plagiarism and AI.
You can choose either format of your choice ( Apa, Mla, Havard, Chicago, or any other)
NB: We do not resell your papers. Upon ordering, we do an original paper exclusively for you.
NB: All your data is kept safe from the public.