The failure to use the degree of knowledge and skill commonly expected of an individual in their profession. The failure must result in injury, loss, or damage to the person receiving care.

• A. Negligence
• B. Defamation
• C. Malpractice
• D. Battery

Answer: (C)

The key idea is the professional standard of care and liability when that standard is not met. In healthcare, clinicians are expected to possess and apply the degree of knowledge and skill that is typical for their profession. When a practitioner’s actions or omissions fall short of that standard and the patient is injured or suffers a loss as a result, the practitioner can be held liable for malpractice. Malpractice is a specific form of negligence tied to professional duties; it requires showing that the standard of care was breached and that breach caused harm.

Defamation and battery cover different concepts. Defamation involves false statements that harm someone’s reputation, which is not about providing medical care. Battery refers to intentional, unwanted physical contact, which is different from a negligent failure to provide appropriate care. Negligence is the broader concept of careless behavior, but malpractice is the version of negligence that applies specifically to professionals who are expected to meet a professional standard of care.