Glossary
accommodation A technique individuals use to smooth interactions between themselves and those they consider potential sources of trouble, as well as one used between the latter group and other people. acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) A latter phase of HIV infection that is marked by major health problems. See also HIV/AIDS. active voluntary euthanasia Ending the life of individuals who, because of illness or disability, have requested that they be killed. actuarial risk rating A system in which insurers try to maximize their financial gain by identifying and insuring only populations that have low health risks. acute Anything that has a sudden and recent onset, such as acute illness or acute pain. acute disease Any disease that strikes suddenly and disappears rapidly (within a month or so). Examples include chicken pox, colds, and influenza. ADA See Americans with Disabilities Act.
Advanced practice nurses Individuals who, after becoming registered nurses, also receive specialized postgraduate training. Includes nurse–midwives and nurse practitioners. See also registered nurses.
Affordable Care Act (ACA) Legislation passed by Congress in 2010 designed to reduce the number of uninsured Americans within the existing health care system. Age adjusted rates Epidemiological data that have been manipulated using standard statistical techniques to eliminate any effects that arise because some populations include more older or younger persons than do others. Age adjustment allows us to compare populations with different age distributions.
