Certified EkG technician (CET) Practice Exam

What term describes an EKG technician writing defamatory comments in a patient's chart?

1. Slander

2. Malpractice

3. Libel

4. Negligence

The correct answer is: Libel

The correct term used to describe an EKG technician writing defamatory comments in a patient's chart is libel. Libel refers to the act of making false and damaging statements about someone in a written format, such as in medical records. Since the comments are documented in a patient's chart, they can cause harm to the patient's reputation and can have legal implications, distinguishing them from oral forms of defamation, which would be classified under slander. Understanding the context of the situation further clarifies why libel is the appropriate term. In this case, the medical record serves as a permanent record and can be shared with others, creating a more significant impact than verbal statements could. Legal actions concerning libel typically arise from written defamatory comments, which can be especially damaging in the healthcare environment where trust and credibility are paramount.