What term describes the criteria used to determine if negligence has occurred in a healthcare setting?

The term "Standards of care" refers to the established criteria used to evaluate whether negligence has occurred in a healthcare setting. These standards are benchmarks that outline the appropriate level of care that a reasonably competent healthcare professional in the same field would provide under similar circumstances. They encompass a wide variety of practices, procedures, and accepted norms within the healthcare profession that are used to ensure patient safety and effective care.

When assessing a potential case of negligence, one of the key considerations is whether the healthcare provider acted according to these established standards. If a provider fails to meet these standards and the patient suffers harm as a result, it can be argued that negligence has occurred. Therefore, understanding the standards of care is crucial for healthcare professionals in ensuring that they adhere to the expected level of competency and ethical practice within their field.