INTRODUCTION  

This module introduces students to Medical Law. The module equips students with skills and knowledge in the area of Medical Law. Medical Law is a fascinating area that deals with some of the most contested and controversial issues of our time; assisted dying, abortion, and embryo research etc. New technologies such as stem cell research, face transplants and pre-implantation genetic testing have attracted considerable media and public interest. To study medical law at this level, it is essential to also consider the ethical issues which under pin questions about how we should regulate controversial medical practices.

This course requires students to use sophisticated analytical skills in evaluating complex legal and ethical dilemmas and to challenge their own and others’ received wisdom while becoming aware of the importance of providing defensible reasons for their views.

OBJECTIVES

The objectives of the module are to:

• Examine the interplay between ethics and law in the field of Medicine
• To identify and analyse the conflicts of interest and legal problems that are relevant in different areas of medical law
• To identify and value legal sources and norms in the field of medical law at both national and international levels.
• To examine the interplay and differences between different types of legal responsibilities and sanctions in medical law
• To identify important Zambian and international bodies relevant to medical law and understand their roles and functions
• to critically analyze the legal rules of medical law de lege ferenda

LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of this module you should be able to:

• Demonstrate a critical understanding of the theories, concepts and principles in medical law and ethics.
• Apply knowledge, skills and understanding of the foundational theories, concepts, and principles
• To critically analyses the roles and relationships within clinical and wider settings.
• Develop, well-reasoned and justified arguments in response to the issues arising from the interaction between law, ethics and medicine.
• Manage complex ethical and professional issues and make informed judgements on issues not addressed clearly by current professional and/or ethical codes or practices.

UNIT 1 – INTRODUCTION TO LAW, ZAMBIAN LEGAL SYSTEM & MEDICAL            ETHICS

UNIT 2 –BASIC CONCEPTS IN MEDICAL LAW

UNIT 3 – THE ACCESS TO TREATMENT AND MALPRACTICE LITIGATION

UNIT 4 –LEGAL AND ETHICAL ISSUES IN MEDICL PRACTICE

UNIT 5 – LEGAL AND ETHICAL ISSUES IN REPRODUCTION

 

RECOMMENDED READING

B. Richards and J.Louise. (2014). Medical Law and Ethics: A Problem-Based Approach. LexisNexis Butterworths

Barstow C, Shahan B, Roberts M. (2018). Evaluating Medical Decision-Making Capacity in Practice.. Am Fam Physician.

Siegel AM, Barnwell AS, Sisti DA. (2014) Assessing Decision-Making Capacity: A Primer for the Development of Hospital Practice Guidelines. HEC Forum.