Having a balanced understanding of legal and ethical concepts and applying them to a multitude of real-life clinical and administrative situations is essential to any health professional.  This text provides this balance by helping health professionals understand both the intention as well as the realities of the law.  All the while, preparing them for the major ethical considerations and dilemmas they may encounter.  Written in a straightforward manner aimed at health professionals in a variety of settings, this book introduces the reader to many topics affecting health care today such as the legal system, patient/physician relationship, professional liability and malpractice prevention, confidentiality, physician's public duties, medical records, and bioethical issues.  Through this introduction healthcare professionals will better understand the ethical obligations to the patient, the employer, and themselves. For Medical Assisting students.