Question 1

A death has occurred under normal circumstances and the body released to the funeral home. Who is responsible for filing the death certificate with the state?

Accepted Answer

The mortician or funeral director is typically responsible for filing the death certificate with the state, as part of their duties in arranging the funeral and final disposition of the body.

Question 2

The power of the states to initiate public health statutes is inferred from which amendment to the U.S. Constitution?

Accepted Answer

The Tenth Amendment states that all powers not delegated to the federal government by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states or to the people. This is commonly referred to as the "Reserved Powers Clause" and is the basis for states' authority to initiate public health statutes.

Question 3

In which of the following cases would it be legal for a physician to sign a death certificate?

Accepted Answer

In order for a physician to sign a death certificate, they must have attended to the deceased before their death.

Question 4

An obstetrician who delivers babies knows that all live births need to be recorded. To which of the following agencies should these births be reported?

Accepted Answer

Live births should be reported to the state registrar, as they maintain vital records for the state. The local county registrar may also be involved in maintaining these records at a more local level, but the state registrar is ultimately responsible. The federal registrar and census bureau do not typically collect this type of data, and the medical examiner would only be involved in cases of fetal death or stillbirth.

Question 5

Which of the following is not a purpose of public health statutes?

Accepted Answer

Requiring physicians to take public health courses is not a purpose of public health statutes. The other options listed (checking water quality, inspecting food facilities, exterminating pests, and guarding against unsanitary conditions in public facilities) are all examples of activities covered by public health statutes.

Question 6

Examples of public data collected by law from physicians include:

Accepted Answer

Births, deaths, rapes, and assaults are typically reported to public health agencies by physicians to gather public health data. This information can be used to develop policies and programs aimed at preventing or reducing future occurrences of these events. The other options listed are not typically reported by physicians as public health data, but rather may be reported through law enforcement or other channels.

Question 7

The state of Virginia checks all restaurants to make sure the conditions are sanitary. This is an example of which of the following?

Accepted Answer

The state of Virginia checking all restaurants to ensure sanitary conditions falls under the purview of public health statutes, which are laws and regulations that govern public health and safety.

Question 8

If a patient dies of natural causes while under his or her physician's care, who is responsible for completion of the medical portion of the death certificate?

Accepted Answer

The attending physician is responsible for completion of the medical portion of the death certificate when a patient dies of natural causes while under his or her care.

Question 9

The states and the federal government collect vital statistics in the U.S. that include births, deaths, marriages, divorces and changes in civil status. What is the main purpose for collection of this information?

Accepted Answer

The main purpose of collecting vital statistics is to assess population trends and needs. This information is used to inform policy decisions and allocate resources accordingly. It is not used to distribute goods and services, control population growth or decline, provide information to marketing services or determine who should receive public assistance.

Question 10

A person dies as a result of a carjacking. Who is responsible for signing the death certificate for this individual?

Accepted Answer

The death was a result of a criminal act, so it is likely that the coroner would be responsible for signing the death certificate. The chief of police, mortician, next of kin, and physician may be involved in the process but typically would not be responsible for signing the death certificate.

Question 11

Which of the following is not required on a death certificate?

Accepted Answer

While a decedent's medical history may be helpful in determining the cause of death, it is not required information on a death certificate. The required information includes the date of death, time of death (if known), cause of death, and place of death.

Question 12

Which of the following is an example of federalism?

Accepted Answer

Federalism is the system of government in which power is divided and shared between the national government and state governments. A state retaining its own police powers not granted to the federal government is an example of how power is divided and shared between the two levels of government.

Question 13

Generally, birth and death certificates are not required for fetal deaths occurring prior to what week of gestation?

Accepted Answer

Generally, birth and death certificates are not required for fetal deaths occurring prior to the 20th week of gestation.

Question 14

Certain sexually transmitted infections (STIs) must be reported whenever diagnosed. Which of the following is not a reportable STI?

Accepted Answer

Cervical cancer is not an STI, but it may be caused by certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV), which is a reportable STI. However, the diagnosis of cervical cancer itself is not reported as an STI. Syphilis, public lice, scabies, and trichomoniasis are all reportable STIs.

Question 15

Which of the following accurately describes the role of the coroner or medical examiner in the event of a violent death?

Accepted Answer

A medical examiner, who is frequently a pathologist, may order and perform an autopsy. This is a common way to determine the cause of death in cases of violent death. A coroner may also be involved in the process, but their specific role varies by jurisdiction.

Question 16

Which of the following is an example of a state law that requires behavioral changes on the part of the public?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following is an example...

Question 17

A division of medicine that incorporates law and medicine and involves medical issues or medical proof at trials having to do with malpractice, crimes, or accidents is called:

Accepted Answer

Forensic medicine is a division of medicine that connects law and medicine and involves medical issues or medical proof at trials that deal with malpractice, crimes, or accidents. This field helps in the determination of the cause of death, postmortem examinations, and forensic toxicology tests.

Question 18

The public official who investigates and holds inquests concerning those who die from unknown or violent causes is the:

Accepted Answer

A coroner is a public official responsible for investigating deaths, particularly those happening under unusual or suspicious circumstances, and may hold inquests.

Question 19

Which of the following examples of public health statutes is enforced by citations for noncompliance?

Accepted Answer

Smoking bans are typically enforced through citations and fines for noncompliance. The other options may involve permits or inspections but may not necessarily have penalties for noncompliance.

Question 20

Who is responsible for gathering and filing many of the vital statistics collected by the states and the federal government?

Accepted Answer

Health care practitioners are responsible for gathering and filing many of the vital statistics collected by the states and the federal government, such as birth and death certificates, as they are often involved in the care of individuals during these events.

Quiz 9: Physicians Public Duties and Responsibilities