What does battery involve in the context of healthcare?

In the context of healthcare, battery refers to the act of actually carrying out a threat to harm a patient. This involves any intentional and unlawful physical contact with another person without their consent. In healthcare settings, battery can occur if a healthcare provider performs a treatment or procedure on a patient without obtaining proper consent, or if they physically harm a patient during the provision of care, even accidentally. Recognizing battery is crucial for healthcare providers, as it emphasizes the importance of respecting patients' rights and autonomy, ensuring that consent is obtained prior to any medical intervention, and maintaining a safe and respectful environment for all patients.

Understanding this definition helps in distinguishing it from related concepts such as assault, which typically involves the threat of harm without the actual physical contact, and negligence, which pertains to poor care that may lead to harm but does not involve intentional actions.