HRM5401 – The Legal, Ethical, and Regulatory Environment of Health Care: Understanding the Foundations of Healthcare Management

Capella University’s HRM5401 course, The Legal, Ethical, and Regulatory Environment of Health Care, provides students with essential knowledge of the legal, ethical, and regulatory frameworks that influence healthcare management. This course is designed to equip students with the ability to navigate the complexities of healthcare law and understand how legal and ethical principles affect decision-making, governance, and daily operations within healthcare organizations.

Course Overview:

In this course, students will explore how laws and regulations impact healthcare policies and practices. Topics include understanding the legal environment of healthcare, healthcare reform, patient rights, and provider obligations. The course will cover major healthcare laws such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), Affordable Care Act (ACA), and the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Additionally, students will analyze how ethical challenges in healthcare—such as confidentiality, informed consent, and healthcare disparities—affect patient care and healthcare management.

The course will also examine the roles that regulatory bodies, such as the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Joint Commission, play in ensuring healthcare organizations comply with legal standards and ethical expectations. This foundational knowledge of healthcare law and ethics is essential for any professional working in healthcare administration.

Key Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this course, students will:

Understand the legal frameworks that govern healthcare systems.
Learn how to navigate healthcare regulations and ensure compliance in healthcare organizations.
Develop skills in ethical decision-making in healthcare settings, ensuring patient rights and welfare are protected.
Gain the ability to apply regulatory standards in managing healthcare facilities and services.

This course is ideal for students pursuing careers in healthcare management, health administration, or those planning to take on roles where legal and ethical considerations are pivotal in healthcare policy development.