Midwife Licensure Exam Bioethics & Professional Conduct — Philippine Nursing Law & Legal AccountabilityExam Answer Templates

Marks

1

Topic

Republic Act No. 9173 — Governing Law

Difficulty

easy

Template Id

T1

Examiner Tip

This is a pure recall question. The examiner awards the mark only when both the RA number AND the title appear. Either alone is considered incomplete.

Model Answer

The governing law for nursing practice in the Philippines is Republic Act No. 9173, known as the Philippine Nursing Act of 2002.

Question Type

very_short_answer

Answer Structure

• State the Republic Act number and popular name in one complete sentence [1 mark]

Scoring Breakdown

Common Mark Deductions

• Writing 'RA 7164' (the repealed 1991 Act) instead of RA 9173
• Omitting the year '2002' or writing an incorrect year
• Writing only 'the nursing law' without citing the RA number

Key Phrases To Include

• Republic Act No. 9173
• Philippine Nursing Act of 2002

Marks

1

Topic

Licensure Examination Requirements

Difficulty

easy

Template Id

T2

Examiner Tip

Both conditions must appear for full credit. Many students remember only the 75% and forget the 60% floor — examiners specifically test for both.

Model Answer

A candidate must obtain a general weighted average of at least 75%, with no rating below 60% in any subject area of the examination.

Question Type

very_short_answer

Answer Structure

• State the general average threshold [0.5 mark]
• State the minimum per-subject rating [0.5 mark]

Scoring Breakdown

Common Mark Deductions

• Stating only the 75% average and omitting the 60% floor
• Writing '80%' or '70%' instead of 75%
• Writing '50%' or '65%' as the minimum per subject instead of 60%

Key Phrases To Include

• general weighted average
• at least 75%
• no rating below 60%

Marks

1

Topic

Negligence and Malpractice

Difficulty

easy

Template Id

T3

Examiner Tip

The phrase 'reasonably prudent nurse' is the legal standard — its inclusion distinguishes a full-mark answer from a partial one.

Model Answer

Nursing negligence is the failure of a nurse to do what a reasonably prudent nurse would do, or doing what a prudent nurse would not do, under similar circumstances, resulting in harm to the patient.

Question Type

very_short_answer

Answer Structure

• Provide the legal definition of negligence referencing the 'reasonably prudent nurse' standard and harm [1 mark]

Scoring Breakdown

Common Mark Deductions

• Defining negligence as simply 'making a mistake' without referencing the standard of care
• Omitting the harm element from the definition
• Confusing negligence with intentional tort (assault, battery)

Key Phrases To Include

• reasonably prudent nurse
• standard of care
• resulting in harm

Marks

2

Topic

PRC and Board of Nursing (BON)

Difficulty

easy

Template Id

T4

Examiner Tip

The examiner rewards clarity of distinction. Using a two-paragraph format — one for PRC, one for BON — makes the contrast immediately visible and earns both marks efficiently.

Model Answer

The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) is the government agency that administers, implements, and enforces regulatory laws for all licensed professions in the Philippines. It issues and renews professional identification cards and maintains the national registry of professionals. The Board of Nursing (BON) is the professional regulatory board for nursing, operating under the PRC. It specifically conducts the nurse licensure examination, determines candidate eligibility, and has the power to issue, suspend, or revoke the certificate of registration/professional license of nurses.

Question Type

short_answer

Answer Structure

• Paragraph 1: Define the PRC and state its primary functions (2–3 key roles) [1 mark]
• Paragraph 2: Define the BON and state its specific nursing-related powers (2–3 key roles) [1 mark]

Scoring Breakdown

Common Mark Deductions

• Describing both as the same body or using the terms interchangeably
• Failing to mention that the BON operates UNDER the PRC
• Omitting the BON's power to suspend or revoke the professional license

Key Phrases To Include

• Professional Regulation Commission
• Board of Nursing
• certificate of registration
• suspend or revoke
• licensure examination

Marks

2

Topic

Negligence Doctrines

Difficulty

medium

Template Id

T5

Examiner Tip

The two doctrines most commonly confused in NLE are res ipsa loquitur and respondeat superior. Memorize both the Latin translation and the defining characteristic: res ipsa = negligence inferred from the act itself; respondeat superior = employer liability for employee acts.

Model Answer

Res ipsa loquitur is a Latin legal doctrine meaning 'the thing speaks for itself.' It allows negligence to be inferred from the nature of the injury alone, without requiring direct proof, because the incident ordinarily would not have occurred without negligence. Nursing example: A surgical instrument (e.g., a laparotomy sponge) found inside a patient's abdominal cavity after closure — the injury itself is sufficient evidence that a breach of standard care occurred during the operation.

Question Type

short_answer

Answer Structure

• Line 1: State the Latin meaning and the legal definition of the doctrine [1 mark]
• Line 2: Provide one clear, clinically appropriate nursing example [1 mark]

Scoring Breakdown

Common Mark Deductions

• Translating 'res ipsa loquitur' incorrectly (e.g., 'let the master answer' — that is respondeat superior)
• Giving a vague example that does not clearly illustrate inferred negligence
• Confusing res ipsa loquitur with respondeat superior

Key Phrases To Include

• the thing speaks for itself
• negligence is inferred
• without direct proof
• would not ordinarily occur

Marks

2

Topic

Data Privacy Act (RA 10173)

Difficulty

medium

Template Id

T6

Examiner Tip

Students often confuse RA 9173 (nursing law) and RA 10173 (data privacy). Remember: 9173 = nursing practice; 10173 = data privacy. The extra '1' in 10173 = one more layer of protection for patient data.

Model Answer

Republic Act No. 10173, known as the Data Privacy Act of 2012, is the Philippine law that protects personal and sensitive personal information, expressly including an individual's health data. It is enforced by the National Privacy Commission (NPC). In nursing practice, it means that a patient's health records and medical information may only be accessed, used, or shared on a need-to-know basis for care, with the patient's valid consent, or when another law specifically requires disclosure. Unauthorized sharing of patient information is a violation that can carry administrative, civil, and criminal penalties.

Question Type

short_answer

Answer Structure

• Sentence 1–2: Identify the law (RA number, year, title) and the enforcing body [1 mark]
• Sentence 3–4: Explain the direct application to nursing practice with a specific example of compliant vs. non-compliant behavior [1 mark]

Scoring Breakdown

Common Mark Deductions

• Citing the wrong RA number (confusing with RA 9173)
• Describing it as an ethics rule rather than a law with criminal penalties
• Failing to specify that health data is classified as sensitive personal information

Key Phrases To Include

• RA 10173
• Data Privacy Act of 2012
• sensitive personal information
• health data
• National Privacy Commission
• need-to-know basis

Marks

3

Topic

Negligence and Malpractice

Difficulty

medium

Template Id

T7

Examiner Tip

Use the mnemonic DBCD — Duty, Breach, Causation, Damages — to ensure you never omit an element. Examiners award one mark per correct element with definition, and a bonus mark for the 'all four must be present' closing statement.

Model Answer

To prove nursing negligence, all four of the following elements must be established: 1. Duty — A nurse-patient relationship must exist, establishing that the nurse owed a duty of care to the patient. 2. Breach — The nurse failed to meet the accepted standard of care that a reasonably prudent nurse would have followed under the same circumstances. 3. Causation — The nurse's breach of duty directly (proximately) caused the patient's injury or harm. 4. Damages — The patient suffered actual, measurable harm (physical, emotional, or financial) as a result of the breach. All four elements must be present simultaneously. If any one element is absent, a legal finding of negligence cannot be made.

Question Type

short_answer

Answer Structure

• Introductory phrase: state that all four elements must be present [0.5 mark]
• Element 1 — Duty: definition [0.5 mark]
• Element 2 — Breach: definition referencing standard of care [0.5 mark]
• Element 3 — Causation: definition referencing proximate cause [0.5 mark]
• Element 4 — Damages: definition [0.5 mark]
• Closing statement: all four must coexist [0.5 mark]

Scoring Breakdown

Common Mark Deductions

• Listing only 3 elements and omitting one (usually Causation or Damages)
• Defining Breach without referencing the standard of care
• Failing to state that ALL elements must coexist — partial presence is insufficient for a negligence finding
• Confusing Causation with Breach

Key Phrases To Include

• duty of care
• nurse-patient relationship
• standard of care
• reasonably prudent nurse
• proximate cause
• actual harm / damages
• all four elements must be present

Marks

3

Topic

Legal Accountability — Types of Liability

Difficulty

medium

Template Id

T8

Examiner Tip

The examiner rewards the structure: definition + consequence + example for each type. Three types = three mini-answers. Arrange them clearly using numbers or headings so the examiner can award each mark independently.

Model Answer

A nurse may face three types of legal liability, sometimes simultaneously from a single negligent act: 1. Administrative Liability — Proceedings before the Board of Nursing (BON) / PRC. The consequence is the suspension or revocation of the nurse's certificate of registration / professional license. Example: A nurse found practicing while impaired by alcohol may have her license revoked by the BON. 2. Civil Liability — A private action filed by the injured patient in civil court to obtain monetary compensation (damages) for harm suffered. Example: A patient who sustains a fall due to the nurse's failure to raise side rails sues the nurse and hospital for hospital bills and lost wages. 3. Criminal Liability — Prosecution by the State when the act constitutes a crime under the Revised Penal Code or a special law. Example: A nurse whose gross negligence directly caused a patient's death may be charged with reckless imprudence resulting in homicide.

Question Type

short_answer

Answer Structure

• Type 1 — Administrative: define, state consequence (suspension/revocation), give nursing example [1 mark]
• Type 2 — Civil: define, state consequence (monetary damages), give nursing example [1 mark]
• Type 3 — Criminal: define, state consequence (State prosecution/criminal charge), give nursing example [1 mark]

Scoring Breakdown

Common Mark Deductions

• Describing only two of the three types
• Confusing administrative and civil liability (both involve 'punishment' but the mechanism and outcome differ)
• Failing to provide a nursing-specific example for each type
• Not stating that one act can result in all three types simultaneously

Key Phrases To Include

• Board of Nursing
• suspension or revocation
• certificate of registration
• monetary compensation / damages
• State prosecution
• reckless imprudence

Marks

3

Topic

Patient Rights

Difficulty

easy

Template Id

T9

Examiner Tip

For list-type questions worth 3 marks, always list MORE items than the minimum asked — if 5 are requested, write 6–7. This demonstrates depth and protects against losing marks if one item is considered incorrect.

Model Answer

In the Philippine healthcare setting, a nurse must uphold the following patient rights: 1. Right to considerate, respectful, and non-discriminatory care consistent with human dignity. 2. Right to information — to be informed of their diagnosis, treatment options, and prognosis in terms they can understand. 3. Right to informed consent — to accept or refuse any treatment or procedure. 4. Right to privacy and confidentiality of their medical and personal health information. 5. Right to access their medical records. (Additional rights include the right to choice of physician, the right to a second opinion, the right to have religious and cultural beliefs respected, and the right to be informed of hospital charges.)

Question Type

short_answer

Answer Structure

• List at least 5 patient rights clearly numbered [1 mark per 2 rights correctly stated, with partial credit]
• Each right stated with sufficient specificity to show understanding [total 3 marks for 5+ correct rights with brief descriptions]

Scoring Breakdown

Common Mark Deductions

• Listing rights as single words only (e.g., 'privacy') without any description — examiners require brief explanations
• Repeating variations of the same right (e.g., listing 'confidentiality' and 'privacy' as two separate rights without distinction)
• Confusing patient rights with nursing responsibilities

Key Phrases To Include

• informed consent
• right to refuse treatment
• privacy and confidentiality
• access to medical records
• respectful and non-discriminatory care

Marks

2

Topic

Patient Rights — Anti-Hospital Deposit Law

Difficulty

medium

Template Id

T10

Examiner Tip

Always cite both RA numbers: 8344 AND 10932. The amendment is frequently tested. Remember the law does not mean treatment is free — it means the hospital CANNOT demand a deposit BEFORE treatment.

Model Answer

The Anti-Hospital Deposit Law is embodied in Republic Act No. 8344, as amended by Republic Act No. 10932. It prohibits hospitals, medical clinics, and other healthcare institutions from demanding cash deposits or advance payment as a precondition for administering emergency treatment or treatment for serious cases. It protects patients by ensuring that no one is denied emergency medical care solely due to their inability to pay. A nurse who witnesses a hospital demanding deposit before treating an emergency patient must recognize this as a violation of RA 8344/10932 and report it through the appropriate channel.

Question Type

short_answer

Answer Structure

• Sentence 1: Identify both RA numbers (RA 8344 amended by RA 10932) and name the law [1 mark]
• Sentence 2: Explain what it prohibits (demanding deposits before emergency treatment) and the protection it provides [1 mark]

Scoring Breakdown

Common Mark Deductions

• Citing only one RA number and omitting the amendment
• Vaguely describing it as 'free treatment for the poor' — the law is specifically about emergency care regardless of ability to pay, not free treatment
• Failing to connect the law to the nurse's obligation to recognize and report violations

Key Phrases To Include

• RA 8344
• RA 10932
• Anti-Hospital Deposit Law
• emergency treatment
• cash deposit or advance payment

Marks

2

Topic

Documentation as Legal Protection

Difficulty

easy

Template Id

T11

Examiner Tip

Write the maxim in quotation marks exactly as it is stated. Examiners look for the precise phrase. Follow it immediately with the legal implication — this two-part structure earns the full mark for that point.

Model Answer

The clinical record is a legal document, and proper nursing documentation is the nurse's strongest defense against liability claims. Accurate, timely, factual, and legible charting provides evidence that the standard of care was met. In legal proceedings, the medical record is used to reconstruct what happened during patient care. The nursing maxim that captures this principle is: 'If it was not documented, it was not done.' This means that care that was given but not recorded is legally treated as if it never occurred. A nurse must never alter, backdate, or falsify records — corrections must be made transparently. Incident reports are completed separately for adverse events and are NOT referenced or attached to the patient's chart.

Question Type

short_answer

Answer Structure

• Paragraph 1: State that the clinical record is a legal document; explain its role as evidence and defense against liability [1 mark]
• Paragraph 2: State the nursing maxim in quotation marks and explain its legal implication; add the rule about falsification and incident reports [1 mark]

Scoring Breakdown

Common Mark Deductions

• Paraphrasing the maxim incorrectly (e.g., 'if not written it didn't happen') — exact quotation earns more credit
• Failing to mention the prohibition against falsification of records
• Stating that incident reports should be placed in the patient chart — this is explicitly incorrect

Key Phrases To Include

• legal document
• strongest defense against liability
• if it was not documented it was not done
• never falsify or backdate
• incident reports not in the chart

Marks

3

Topic

Code of Ethics for Registered Nurses

Difficulty

medium

Template Id

T12

Examiner Tip

The examiner will specifically check for BON (not PNA) as the promulgating body and Board Resolution No. 220, s. 2004. The five duty areas are consistently tested — memorize them as 'People, Practice, Co-workers, Society, Profession.'

Model Answer

The Code of Ethics for Registered Nurses in the Philippines is a formal set of ethical standards that governs the professional conduct and moral responsibilities of registered nurses. It was promulgated by the Board of Nursing (BON) in coordination with the accredited professional organization, the Philippine Nurses Association (PNA), through BON Board Resolution No. 220, Series of 2004, pursuant to the authority granted under Republic Act No. 9173. The five main areas (relationships) of the nurse's ethical duties as outlined in the Code are: 1. Duties to the people/patients served — including respect for dignity, rights, and confidentiality. 2. Duties to practice — including safe, competent, and evidence-based care. 3. Duties to co-workers — including collaboration, respect, and professional relationships. 4. Duties to society and the environment — including community health promotion and environmental responsibility. 5. Duties to the profession — including advancement, integrity, and upholding the standards of nursing.

Question Type

short_answer

Answer Structure

• Sentence 1–2: Define the Code of Ethics and state who promulgated it (BON + PNA, Board Resolution No. 220, s. 2004, pursuant to RA 9173) [1 mark]
• Points 1–3: Correctly name 3 of the 5 duty areas with brief descriptions [1 mark]
• Points 4–5: Correctly name the remaining 2 duty areas with brief descriptions [1 mark]

Scoring Breakdown

Common Mark Deductions

• Attributing promulgation to the PNA alone — the BON promulgated it; the PNA coordinated
• Omitting the Board Resolution number (220, s. 2004)
• Listing fewer than 5 duty areas or describing them too vaguely
• Failing to state that violation of the Code is a ground for administrative sanction by the BON

Key Phrases To Include

• Board of Nursing
• Philippine Nurses Association (PNA)
• Board Resolution No. 220, series of 2004
• RA 9173
• duties to people/patients
• duties to practice
• duties to society

Marks

5

Topic

Intentional Torts — Battery, Assault, Informed Consent

Difficulty

hard

Template Id

T13

Examiner Tip

For 5-mark case-study questions, the examiner reads for STRUCTURE and COMPLETENESS. Write clearly labeled sections. Examiners award marks per section — a well-structured answer with moderate content scores higher than a dense paragraph with excellent content that is hard to follow.

Model Answer

The intentional tort committed is BATTERY. Definition: Battery is the intentional, unauthorized, and harmful or offensive physical contact with another person without that person's consent. In nursing, battery occurs when a nurse performs a procedure or administers a medication to a patient who is conscious and capable of consenting but has not given consent. Battery is an intentional tort — unlike negligence, which requires proof of harm through carelessness, battery requires only that unauthorized contact occurred, regardless of whether harm resulted. Distinction from Assault: Assault is the threat or act that creates a reasonable fear of harmful contact, while battery is the actual harmful or offensive contact itself. In this scenario, actual administration without consent constitutes battery, not merely assault. Legal Consequences for the Nurse: 1. Administrative Liability — The Board of Nursing (BON) may conduct disciplinary proceedings against the nurse for unethical and unprofessional conduct. The consequence may be the suspension or revocation of the nurse's certificate of registration / professional license under RA 9173. 2. Civil Liability — The patient may file a civil lawsuit for damages (compensation) for the unauthorized physical contact, even in the absence of physical harm, because battery is actionable per se (the contact itself is the wrong). 3. Criminal Liability — Depending on the severity and intent, the nurse may face criminal charges under the Revised Penal Code. Application of Patient Rights: This scenario also constitutes a violation of the patient's right to informed consent as guaranteed under Philippine patient rights principles. Informed consent requires that a conscious, competent patient must voluntarily agree to a procedure or treatment after receiving adequate information. Nursing Lesson: A nurse must ALWAYS obtain informed consent before administering medications or performing procedures. When in doubt, the nurse must clarify the order and communicate with the patient — this protects both the patient and the nurse from legal liability.

Question Type

case_study

Answer Structure

• Part 1 — Identify the tort: State clearly that it is 'battery' [1 mark]
• Part 2 — Define battery: Include unauthorized contact, intentional nature, without consent, actionable even without harm [1 mark]
• Part 3 — Distinguish from assault: Briefly contrast with assault (threat vs. actual contact) [1 mark]
• Part 4 — Administrative and civil consequences: Describe BON proceedings and civil damages action [1 mark]
• Part 5 — Link to patient rights and nursing lesson: Connect to informed consent rights and practical nursing implication [1 mark]

Scoring Breakdown

Common Mark Deductions

• Identifying the tort as 'assault' instead of 'battery' — the actual physical contact makes it battery
• Defining battery as requiring proof of harm — battery is actionable per se (contact itself is sufficient)
• Addressing only one type of liability and omitting the other two
• Failing to connect the scenario to the patient's right to informed consent
• Using vague language like 'the nurse can be punished' without specifying the legal mechanism (BON, civil court, etc.)

Key Phrases To Include

• battery
• unauthorized contact
• intentional tort
• without consent
• informed consent
• suspension or revocation
• certificate of registration
• civil damages
• assault vs battery distinction

Marks

5

Topic

Scope of Nursing Practice (RA 9173, Section 28)

Difficulty

hard

Template Id

T14

Examiner Tip

For 5-mark essay questions, organize your answer with a clear heading, numbered points, and a conclusion. The examiner is reading quickly — visible structure with 5 distinct points mapped to the 5 marks is the fastest way to earn full credit. Always end with a statement about accountability limits — this is a high-value distinguishing point.

Model Answer

SCOPE OF NURSING PRACTICE UNDER RA 9173 Republic Act No. 9173, the Philippine Nursing Act of 2002, defines the scope of nursing practice primarily in Section 28. A person practices nursing when, for compensation, he or she — singly or in collaboration with others — performs professional nursing functions in any health-care setting. 1. Utilization of the Nursing Process: The nursing process is the foundation of nursing practice. A registered nurse is authorized to perform assessment, formulate nursing diagnoses, plan nursing interventions, implement care, and evaluate outcomes for individuals, families, and communities. This process is applied in all settings — hospital, community, home, and occupational health — and at all NCM levels (NCM 100 to NCM 105). 2. Health Education, Counseling, and Promotion: Nurses are legally authorized to provide health teaching, counseling, and wellness promotion. This includes community-based education on disease prevention, maternal and child health, and environmental health in line with the Philippine health delivery system's public health mandate. 3. Administration of Medications and Treatments: Nurses may administer medications and implement therapeutic treatments as prescribed by a licensed physician, dentist, or other authorized prescriber. Crucially, the nurse does not merely execute orders mechanically — the nurse must exercise sound nursing judgment before implementing any order. If an order appears unsafe, unclear, or incorrect, the nurse has the legal and ethical responsibility to clarify, question, or refuse the order. 4. Collaboration and Team-Based Care: Nursing practice includes collaborating with physicians, pharmacists, physical therapists, and other members of the health team to deliver safe, quality, and holistic care. 5. Supervision, Teaching, and Research: Nurses may supervise nursing and midwifery students during clinical training, teach nursing aides, and engage in nursing research, administration, and educational roles. Limits of Accountability: Implementation of a physician's order does not relieve the nurse of accountability. The nurse is legally and professionally accountable for every act performed, whether independently or pursuant to an order. Furthermore, expanded nursing functions (such as those in primary care settings) must be within the scope defined by RA 9173 and institutional policy — practicing beyond the defined scope constitutes illegal practice and may result in administrative, civil, or criminal liability. In summary, the scope of nursing practice under RA 9173 is broad, collaborative, and grounded in the nursing process — but always bounded by legal standards, institutional policy, sound professional judgment, and the nurse's Continuing Professional Development (CPD) obligations for license renewal.

Question Type

long_answer

Answer Structure

• Introduction: Cite RA 9173, Section 28 as the legal basis [0.5 mark]
• Point 1 — Nursing Process: Define its role as the foundation of practice [1 mark]
• Point 2 — Health education and promotion [0.5 mark]
• Point 3 — Medication and treatment administration with nursing judgment [1 mark]
• Point 4 — Collaboration and team-based care [0.5 mark]
• Point 5 — Supervision, teaching, research [0.5 mark]
• Conclusion — Limits of accountability: nurse cannot use 'I was just following orders' as a defense [1 mark]

Scoring Breakdown

Common Mark Deductions

• Failing to cite Section 28 specifically — general reference to 'RA 9173' alone is less precise
• Describing medication administration without mentioning the nurse's obligation to exercise sound nursing judgment
• Stating that nurses are not accountable when following physician orders — this is legally incorrect
• Writing only about bedside nursing and omitting education, research, and community health roles
• Exceeding the allotted time by writing excessively long answers — focus on breadth and structure, not volume

Key Phrases To Include

• RA 9173
• Section 28
• nursing process
• ADPIE
• sound nursing judgment
• prescribed by a licensed physician
• accountable
• scope of nursing practice
• Continuing Professional Development

Marks

3

Topic

Negligence and Malpractice

Difficulty

medium

Template Id

T15

Examiner Tip

The sentence 'All malpractice is negligence, but not all negligence is malpractice' is a high-value phrase that examiners look for. Write it exactly as stated — it demonstrates conceptual clarity and earns the mark for the distinction.

Model Answer

Malpractice is defined as professional negligence — the failure of a professional (such as a registered nurse) to meet the standard of care expected of members of that profession during the performance of professional duties, resulting in harm to the patient. Distinction from General Negligence: General negligence refers to the failure of any person (professional or not) to exercise the ordinary care that a reasonably prudent person would exercise under similar circumstances. Malpractice is a specific subset of negligence — it applies only to professionals and is measured against the professional standard of care (i.e., what a reasonably prudent NURSE would do), not the ordinary person standard. All malpractice is negligence, but not all negligence is malpractice. Importance for the Registered Nurse: Understanding this distinction is important because as a licensed professional under RA 9173, a Registered Nurse is held to a higher standard of conduct than a layperson. A nursing act that falls below the professional standard — even if a non-nurse could not have known better — may constitute malpractice and expose the nurse to administrative action by the BON, civil damages, and even criminal liability. This understanding motivates nurses to maintain competence through Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and to practice within their legally defined scope.

Question Type

short_answer

Answer Structure

• Paragraph 1: Define malpractice — professional negligence, professional standard of care, harm [1 mark]
• Paragraph 2: Contrast with general negligence — ordinary person vs. professional standard; 'all malpractice is negligence but not all negligence is malpractice' [1 mark]
• Paragraph 3: Importance for the RN — higher professional standard under RA 9173, consequences, link to CPD [1 mark]

Scoring Breakdown

Common Mark Deductions

• Defining malpractice and negligence as the same thing without distinction
• Omitting the 'all malpractice is negligence, but not all negligence is malpractice' principle
• Failing to link the importance of the distinction to nursing-specific consequences (BON, CPD, RA 9173)

Key Phrases To Include

• professional negligence
• standard of care
• reasonably prudent nurse
• all malpractice is negligence but not all negligence is malpractice
• RA 9173
• BON
• Continuing Professional Development