Commission for Case Manager Certification (CCMC) Practice Exam

Malpractice is defined primarily by the failure of a professional, such as a healthcare provider or case manager, to deliver care that meets the accepted standards of practice in their field, resulting in harm to a client or patient. This concept is rooted in the expectation that professionals will adhere to a certain level of competence and care, and when they deviate from this standard, they may be held liable for malpractice.

In the context of the question, the correct factor indicates that if a professional does not uphold these reasonable care standards, it can lead to significant consequences for the patient or client. This encompasses a range of scenarios where care falls short, including neglect, oversight, misdiagnosis, improper treatment, or lack of adequate communication, all of which can cause harm or injury.

The other factors mentioned pertain to different contexts or types of legal issues. For instance, intentional harm refers to cases of assault or direct malfeasance, while unintentional damages caused by a product relate more to product liability rather than professional conduct. Similarly, accusations of fraud involve dishonest practices rather than the standards of care expected in a professional setting. Therefore, the focus here is properly placed on the failure to meet reasonable care standards as the foundational aspect of malpractice.