Which term describes intentional failure to meet obligations toward a patient?

Which term describes intentional failure to meet obligations toward a patient?

• A. Passive negligence
• B. Active neglect
• C. Beneficence
• D. Malicious withholding

Answer: (B)

Intentional failure to meet duties toward a patient is described as active neglect. The word “active” signals that the caregiver consciously chooses not to provide the required care, rather than missing something by accident. That distinguishes it from passive negligence, where the lapse happens through oversight or carelessness rather than a deliberate act. Beneficence is about actively doing good for the patient, so it doesn’t describe failing to meet obligations. While “malicious withholding” conveys intent to harm, the standard, commonly used term in this context is active neglect, which covers deliberate neglect of the duties owed to a patient without needing to frame it as a motive to harm.

Intentional failure to meet duties toward a patient is described as active neglect. The word “active” signals that the caregiver consciously chooses not to provide the required care, rather than missing something by accident. That distinguishes it from passive negligence, where the lapse happens through oversight or carelessness rather than a deliberate act. Beneficence is about actively doing good for the patient, so it doesn’t describe failing to meet obligations. While “malicious withholding” conveys intent to harm, the standard, commonly used term in this context is active neglect, which covers deliberate neglect of the duties owed to a patient without needing to frame it as a motive to harm.