What does malpractice involve?

Malpractice is fundamentally about professional misconduct, which can manifest as either intentional or unintentional actions that deviate from the accepted standards of practice in healthcare. This includes failing to provide the appropriate standard of care that a reasonable practitioner would provide under similar circumstances, which can lead to harm or injury to a patient.

In many cases, malpractice is associated with actions that a professional takes or fails to take, which directly affect patient outcomes. It is necessary for a healthcare provider to uphold the duty of care to their patients, and when this is violated, it can result in legal consequences. The essence of malpractice is tied to the breach of this responsibility rather than specific incidents such as charging fees or providing an incorrect diagnosis, which may not always be linked to a failure in standard practice.

Understanding this definition helps clarify that malpractice is an issue of conduct and responsibility, highlighting the importance of maintaining high professional standards in patient care.