Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) SLC Practice Exam

What is defined as medical negligence?

1. Intent to cause harm to a patient

2. Failure to provide the necessary standard of care to prevent injury

3. Providing incorrect medication

4. Overcharging for medical services

The correct answer is: Failure to provide the necessary standard of care to prevent injury

Medical negligence is defined as the failure to provide the necessary standard of care that a reasonably competent medical professional would have provided in a similar situation, thereby resulting in harm or injury to a patient. This definition highlights the importance of adhering to established medical standards and practices, which are designed to ensure patient safety and well-being. In this context, medical professionals are expected to possess a certain level of skill and knowledge that is reflective of their training and experience. When a healthcare provider falls short of this standard, and the patient suffers as a result, this constitutes negligence. It is not merely an error or a mistake but a failure to act in accordance with the expected standards of care. The other options pertain to different concepts. Intent to cause harm focuses on willful actions rather than negligence, which is based on a failure to meet standards. Providing incorrect medication can be an aspect of medical negligence, but it does not encompass the broad definition of negligence itself. Overcharging for medical services relates to financial malpractice rather than the standards of care provided to patients, which is not relevant to the definition of negligence in the medical field.