What term means professional negligence?

• A. Negligence
• B. Liability
• C. Ethics
• D. Malpractice

Answer: (D)

Professional negligence in a professional setting is called malpractice. Malpractice occurs when a practitioner fails to meet the established standard of care in their field and that breach causes harm. It centers on the professional duty to provide competent care and the resulting harm, which can lead to legal liability.

By contrast, general negligence refers to carelessness by anyone, not specifically tied to a professional standard. Liability means the legal responsibility for damages and can arise from malpractice but is the consequence, not the act itself. Ethics deals with moral duties and appropriate conduct, not the civil standard of care. So the term that means professional negligence is malpractice.