What action is described as confining a competent patient against their will?

The action described as confining a competent patient against their will is best defined as false imprisonment. This legal term refers specifically to the unlawful restraint of an individual who is capable of making their own decisions. In a healthcare context, if a patient who is competent to understand their situation is physically restricted from leaving or is held without their consent, it constitutes false imprisonment.

This concept is critical in ensuring that patient autonomy and rights are respected. Competent patients have the right to make decisions about their own healthcare, including the choice to leave a facility or refuse treatment. Therefore, any action that unlawfully restricts this freedom can lead to legal repercussions for the responsible party.

In contrast, assault would involve the threat of harm or actual physical harm without necessarily involving confinement. Malpractice pertains to improper or negligent actions by a professional that harm a patient, while a breach of confidentiality involves the unauthorized disclosure of private patient information. Each of these scenarios, while serious, does not relate to the act of confining a patient against their will like false imprisonment does.