What is malpractice in healthcare?

Malpractice in healthcare refers to a situation where a healthcare professional performs care that is outside of their legal authorization. This can occur when a provider delivers treatment or makes decisions that exceed their scope of practice, such as a nurse attempting to perform a medical procedure that only a physician is licensed to conduct, or failing to adhere to established protocols that ensure patient safety. This violation of legal guidelines can result in harm to the patient and can lead to legal consequences for the healthcare provider.

While the other options might reflect poor practices or errors in communication and care, they do not specifically encapsulate the definition of malpractice. The essence of malpractice involves a breach of duty that leads to patient harm, which is fundamentally tied to acting beyond the authorized scope of practice established by law and professional standards.