Which statement best defines malpractice?

• A. Occurs when there is a deviation from the accepted standard of care which results in harm
• B. Occurs only when harm is intentional
• C. Occurs for any medical error regardless of harm
• D. Is only a breach of contract

Answer: (A)

Malpractice is professional negligence in healthcare. It occurs when a provider fails to meet the accepted standard of care—what a reasonably competent practitioner would do in the same situation—and that failure causes harm to the patient. The standard of care reflects current knowledge and typical practices for the specific circumstances. There must be a causal connection between the deviation from that standard and the injury, meaning the harm would not have occurred if the standard had been followed. It isn’t about intentional harm, and not every medical error qualifies as malpractice—only those that involve a deviation from the standard of care that leads to actual damage. It isn’t a breach of contract; malpractice is a tort focused on duty of care and resulting harm.