Which term describes a professional's negligent act that causes harm?

Which term describes a professional's negligent act that causes harm?

• A. Malpractice
• B. Neglect
• C. Negligence
• D. Elder Abuse

Answer: (A)

Malpractice describes the professional’s failure to meet the required standard of care, resulting in harm to a patient. It signals legal accountability for care provided by a licensed professional. Neglect and negligence are related ideas but are broader or non-professional in scope—the former often means omission of care, and the latter is a general failure to exercise reasonable care. Elder abuse refers to harming an elder, which is a different concept altogether. Thus, the term that best captures a professional’s negligent act causing harm is malpractice.

Malpractice describes the professional’s failure to meet the required standard of care, resulting in harm to a patient. It signals legal accountability for care provided by a licensed professional. Neglect and negligence are related ideas but are broader or non-professional in scope—the former often means omission of care, and the latter is a general failure to exercise reasonable care. Elder abuse refers to harming an elder, which is a different concept altogether. Thus, the term that best captures a professional’s negligent act causing harm is malpractice.