What type of legal principle does a medical assistant violate by failing to document a patient's refusal of blood products?

Failing to document a patient's refusal of blood products specifically falls under negligent torts. In healthcare, negligence occurs when a provider's actions (or lack thereof) lead to harm or potential risk to a patient. Documentation is critical in medical practice because it serves as a legal record that verifies patient interactions, decisions, and treatment provided. When a medical assistant neglects to document a refusal of treatment, such as blood products, they may violate standards of care, which could result in harm to the patient if the medical team is unaware of the patient's decisions.

This type of negligence can have serious implications, as it may lead to misunderstandings, inappropriate treatment, or legal consequences if the situation results in adverse effects. Consequently, thorough and accurate documentation is essential to uphold patient safety and maintain clear communication among healthcare providers, which is a fundamental aspect of a medical assistant's responsibilities. By not documenting the refusal, the medical assistant can be considered to have acted below the expected standard of care, constituting a negligent tort.