Patient Care Technician (PCT) AAH Practice Exam

What is the liability if a healthcare professional makes a mistake?

1. You are personally liable

2. Your employer is liable

3. The patient holds no responsibility

4. Insurance will cover all costs

The correct answer is: You are personally liable

In the context of healthcare, when a professional makes a mistake, personal liability often arises from the principle of professional accountability. Healthcare professionals, such as Patient Care Technicians, are expected to meet a certain standard of care in their practice. If they fail to uphold this standard, leading to patient harm, they can be held personally liable for their actions or omissions. It is important to recognize that while a healthcare professional may be personally liable, their employer could also be held responsible under the doctrine of vicarious liability, which holds employers accountable for the actions of their employees performed within the course of their duties. This nuance highlights the complexity of liability in the healthcare field. Furthermore, while patients generally do not bear responsibility for mistakes made by healthcare professionals, this does not absolve the professional from accountability. The idea that insurance will cover all costs is also misleading, as not all mistakes may be fully covered, and insurance policies can have limitations. In summary, the personal accountability of the healthcare professional underscores the importance of adhering to established standards and protocols to prevent mistakes that could lead to liability.