Which tort involves confinement or restraint of a patient without justification?

Which tort involves confinement or restraint of a patient without justification?

• A. Assault
• B. Battery
• C. False Imprisonment
• D. Abandonment

Answer: (C)

Confining or restraining a patient without justification describes false imprisonment. It centers on limiting a person’s freedom of movement when there isn’t a lawful reason or proper consent to do so. In healthcare, restraints should be used only when necessary for safety, with a valid order, ongoing assessment, and adherence to policy; otherwise, the action is unjustified. This differs from assault (causing fear of imminent harm) and battery (actual harmful contact), and from abandonment (deserting a patient who is under care). Thus, the scenario fits false imprisonment because the key issue is unjustified confinement.

Confining or restraining a patient without justification describes false imprisonment. It centers on limiting a person’s freedom of movement when there isn’t a lawful reason or proper consent to do so. In healthcare, restraints should be used only when necessary for safety, with a valid order, ongoing assessment, and adherence to policy; otherwise, the action is unjustified. This differs from assault (causing fear of imminent harm) and battery (actual harmful contact), and from abandonment (deserting a patient who is under care). Thus, the scenario fits false imprisonment because the key issue is unjustified confinement.