What is the difference between assault and battery in a healthcare context?

In the healthcare context, the distinction between assault and battery is essential for understanding legal and ethical responsibilities. When discussing assault, it specifically refers to the act of threatening harm or creating an apprehension of imminent physical harm in another person. This means that if a healthcare worker makes a patient feel as though they are about to be harmed, that may be classified as assault, even if no physical contact occurs.

On the other hand, battery involves actual physical contact, where harm is inflicted on another person without their consent. In a healthcare setting, this could include actions such as administering an injection without the patient's consent or performing a procedure that results in injury. Understanding this difference is crucial for healthcare professionals to ensure they respect patients' rights and maintain ethical standards in their practice.