Category: S

Without capacity to produce offspring, a condition which may or may not be reversible. Sterile is a more positive term than “infertile”, which is used when there is felt to be a greater possibility of correcting the condition. Sterility may be natural or the result of having undergone sterilization (contraceptive), a procedure intended to remove…

Free from all living bacteria, viruses, and other living organisms and their spores (resistant forms of such life).  

A generic term for a committee set up to provide broad guidance for a program, project, or activity.  

A statute which limits potential liability by limiting the time in which a suit can be brought. A statute of limitation is a statute of repose. Generally, the purpose is to prevent stale claims that would substantially prejudice the defendant. Legal protection from prosecution or damages that result from the failure of a project completed…

A law specifying which kinds of contracts must be evidenced by a writing to be enforceable. Examples are contracts concerning real estate (except short term leases), sales of goods with a price of more than $500, and contracts which by their terms cannot be performed within a year. The entire agreement does not have to…

The agency in a state which is authorized by that state’s legislature to license physicians to practice within the state. An organization of health care providers and planners required under federal law as a unit in the official planning process. An SHCC concerns itself with where, how large, and what kind of health care facilities…

A statement issued by the statewide health coordinating council (SHCC) covering goals and priorities for the health systems within the state and the desired health status of the residents. The state health plan describes the health systems which would result in high quality health services, available and accessible to all residents, and providing continuity of…

A body, established by the laws of a state, which oversees the practice of medicine within the state. In particular, the board of medical examiners reviews the credentials of physicians applying for licensure to practice within the state, administers examinations if required, investigates the background of applicants, and approves or denies licensure. These medical examiners…

A term which comes up especially in nursing with regard to nursing education programs. To be eligible for registration (to be able to become a registered nurse (RN)), a nurse must be a graduate of a program approved by the State Board of Nursing. The program, however, may or may not have been accredited by…

Orders for the care of a patient under prescribed circumstances, for example, in preparation for specific diagnostic procedures or surgical operation. Standing orders are to be followed for all such patients unless the physician or surgeon directs otherwise. Establishment of such standing orders is done under formal procedures established by the hospital and its medical…