Which term describes a wrongful act intended to cause harm?

• A. Intentional Tort
• B. Negligence
• C. Malpractice
• D. Liability

Answer: (A)

The key idea is that the wrong is deliberate. An intentional tort is a civil wrong committed on purpose or with the intent that harm will occur. In healthcare, this covers acts like assault, battery, false imprisonment, or invasion of privacy—where the provider intentionally harms or exposes a patient to harm, leading to a civil claim for damages.

In contrast, negligence refers to harming someone by failing to meet the expected standard of care—usually unintentional and due to carelessness or oversight. Malpractice is a type of negligence by a professional that falls below the accepted standard of care. Liability is the broader legal responsibility that can arise from either intentional or unintentional acts.

So the description of a wrongful act intended to cause harm fits an intentional tort because intent to cause harm is the defining feature.