Standards for human behavior are primarily established through which of the following?

The correct answer is laws, as they serve as formalized standards that dictate acceptable conduct within society. Laws are created through a legislative process and are enforceable by governmental institutions. They are aimed at maintaining order and protecting the rights of individuals, which is crucial in various areas, including healthcare.

In the context of healthcare, laws regulate everything from patient rights and consent to the operation of healthcare facilities and the handling of medical records. These legal standards are backed by the authority of the state, ensuring compliance and providing mechanisms for accountability, such as penalties for violations.

While social norms and ethics certainly influence human behaviors and decisions, they do not carry the same level of enforceability as laws do. Regulations are detailed guidelines created to implement laws and are typically more specific, but they still derive their authority from broader legislative frameworks. Therefore, while all these aspects inform human behavior, laws are the primary and most authoritative standards that shape conduct in society.