What does the doctrine of respondeat superior establish?

• A. The patient is always liable
• B. The hospital has no liability
• C. The employee is always liable
• D. The employer is liable for employee's actions within the scope of employment

Answer: (D)

Respondeat superior is the principle of vicarious liability: an employer can be held responsible for the negligent acts of its employees when those acts are performed within the scope of the employee’s duties. In practical terms, if a hospital employee, during the course of their work and in furtherance of the employer’s interests, commits negligence, the employer can be liable even if the patient sues the employee directly. The key factor is that the conduct occurs within the scope of employment; actions outside that scope (a personal errand, intentional wrongdoing, or a significant deviation from duties) may not impose vicarious liability on the employer. The employee may also bear personal liability, especially if the conduct was outside the scope or constitutes a tort independently.