Final answer:
Health care workers have legal responsibilities towards patients, themselves, coworkers, the company, and adherence to regulations. They need to ensure safety and confidentiality as per OHSA and HIPPA. Understanding these responsibilities helps protect all parties involved and ensures quality care.
Step-by-step explanation:
Health care workers must be aware of their legal responsibilities for the protection of patients, themselves, coworkers, the company or employer they work for, and to adhere to regulations set forth by entities such as a nonprofit health organization, a private hospital, or a governmental agency like Health and Social Services.
The Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) focuses on protecting workers from health and safety hazards, requiring employers to inform workers about hazards and provide training and equipment to mitigate these risks. Moreover, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA) mandates the protection of patient information and sets standards for confidentiality.
Hospitals and healthcare workers can be held liable for not following procedures or if they use defective equipment. It is critical to understand and follow the legal and ethical responsibilities in the healthcare setting to prevent harm and ensure the highest quality of care is delivered.