Book excerpt: Using the same approach, this text provides a distillation of the widely popular Legal Aspects of Health Care Administration. It presents an overview of health law topics in an interesting and understandable format, leading the reader through the complicated maze of the legal system. The topics presented in this book create a strong foundation in health law. This book is a sound reference for those who wish to become more informed about how the law, ethics, and health care intersect. Features: A historical perspective on the development of hospitals, illustrating both their progress and failures through the centuries. Actual court cases, state and federal statutes, and common-law principles are examined. A broad discussion of the legal system, including the sources of law and government organization. A basic review of tort law, criminal issues, contracts, civil procedure and trial practice, and a wide range of real life legal and ethical dilemmas that caregivers have faced as they wound their way through the courts. An overview of various ways to improve the quality and delivery of health care.