May 02, 2026  
2026-2027 Catalog SVC 
    
2026-2027 Catalog SVC

AHE 103 - Law, Ethics, and Professionalism in Healthcare


Credits: 5
Variable Credit Course: No

Lecture Hours: 55
Lab Hours: 0
Worksite/Clinical Hours: 0
Other Hours (LIA/Internships): 0

Course Description: Legal and working relationships between medical personnel and patients; professional liability; intentional and unintentional torts; contracts; law of agency; informed consent; professional practice requirements; medical ethics; public duties and responsibilities; licenses and accreditation; workplace legalities; influence of cultural mores. Professionalism and image, and relationships between healthcare teams.

Prerequisite: AHE101 with a C grade or higher or concurrent enrollment. 



Meets FQE Requirement: No
Integrative Experience Requirement: No

Student Learning Outcomes
  1. Evaluate the application of selected healthcare guidelines and regulatory requirements within clinical practice settings.
  2. Describe the influence of medical ethics, professional Codes of Ethics, and professionalism on healthcare decision-making.
  3. Analyze risk-management principles and workplace legal requirements to determine appropriate responses in healthcare settings.
  4. Apply HIPAA standards to scenarios involving patient confidentiality in healthcare settings.
  5. Evaluate the public duties and professional responsibilities of healthcare personnel in protecting patients’ rights.
  6. Develop legally compliant documentation strategies aligned with the regulatory standards of current legislation.
  7. Critically compare and synthesize the job descriptions, credentialing requirements, and legal and ethical responsibilities across healthcare professions.
  8. Demonstrate professionalism and cultural competence by applying inclusive communication strategies, respecting diversity, and upholding legal and ethical standards of care.

Course Contents
  1. Introduction to law, ethics, and professional standards for healthcare.
  2. Practicing in a medical office as a healthcare team member.
  3. Law and the courts.
  4. Contracts.
  5. Professional liability and medical malpractice.
  6. Defenses to liability suits.
  7. Medical records and informed consent.
  8. Physician’s public duties and responsibilities.
  9. Workplace legalities.
  10. Medical ethics.
  11. Cultural competency in healthcare teams.
  12. Professional organizations, credentialing and team member roles for allied health professionals.
  13. Principles and social policy issues.


Instructional Units: 5