Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) SLC Practice Exam

In a scenario where a doctor skips a necessary test due to insurance issues, what could this be considered?

1. Sentinel Event

2. Medical Malpractice

3. Negligence by omission

4. Routine Medical Procedure

The correct answer is: Medical Malpractice

In this scenario, skipping a necessary test due to insurance issues can indeed be categorized as medical malpractice. Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare professional fails to provide the standard of care that a reasonably competent provider would have delivered in similar circumstances. In this case, the doctor’s decision not to perform an essential test, despite its necessity, may indicate a deviation from accepted medical practices, which could potentially harm the patient. In situations involving medical decisions, factors such as insurance can complicate the context. However, the primary focus remains on whether the doctor's actions or omissions could meet the legal definitions of malpractice. When a necessary procedure is not carried out, and the doctor’s decision can be interpreted as a failure to act in line with established medical standards, the likelihood of it being classified as malpractice increases, particularly if it results in patient harm. Other options focus on different aspects: a sentinel event refers to an unexpected occurrence involving death or serious physical or psychological injury; negligence by omission suggests a lack of action but doesn’t necessarily cover the broader implications of malpractice; and routine medical procedures simply denote standard practices executed in healthcare without implying any lapse or oversight. Each of these categories serves a distinct purpose in the legal and medical framework surrounding patient care.