Certified Medical Assistant Practice Exam

Which of the following terms states that a physician is liable for the negligent actions of any employee working under his or her supervision?

1. Licensure

2. In loco parentis

3. Respondeat superior

4. Malpractice

The correct answer is: Respondeat superior

Respondeat superior is the principle that holds a physician responsible for the actions of their employees when those actions occur within the scope of employment. This legal doctrine essentially means "let the master answer." In the context of medical practice, it implies that the physician or employer can be held liable for the negligent actions of their employees. This is why the correct answer is C. Options A, B, and D are incorrect: A. Licensure refers to the process by which a professional licensing board grants permission to an individual to practice in a specific profession. B. In loco parentis is a legal doctrine that refers to the legal responsibility of a person or organization to take on some of the functions and responsibilities of a parent. D. Malpractice involves professional negligence or a lack of expected standards of care by a healthcare provider which results in harm to a patient.