Which term describes professional negligence that causes harm?

• A. Torts
• B. Contracts
• C. Civil law
• D. Malpractice

Answer: (D)

Professional negligence by a licensed professional that harms a patient is called malpractice. This term specifically describes negligent acts or omissions by someone practicing a profession, where the standard of care is not met and harm results; it is the professional-specific form of fault that leads to liability.

Torts is a broader category of civil wrongs that cause harm, not limited to professionals. Civil law is the overall body of noncriminal law, encompassing many areas including torts and contracts, but it doesn’t name the professional negligence aspect by itself. Contracts refers to binding agreements and potential breaches, not to negligent conduct causing harm in the practice of a profession.

So when a clinician’s failure to meet the expected standard of care causes injury, that is malpractice.