What does the deliberate concealment of facts from a patient constitute?

The deliberate concealment of facts from a patient constitutes fraud because it involves intentional deceit or misleading actions with the purpose of inducing the patient to act in a way that would not be possible if the full truth were known. In a healthcare context, this could mean withholding important information about a diagnosis, treatment options, or the risks involved in a procedure, all with the intent to manipulate the patient's decisions.

Fraud is characterized by an element of intention to deceive, which is crucial in differentiating it from other related terms. While negligence refers to carelessness leading to harm, misrepresentation encompasses unintentional false statements rather than deliberate concealment. Malpractice, while it may involve negligence or inadequate care, doesn't specifically address the aspect of deceit that defines fraud. Understanding this distinction is important for recognizing ethical standards in patient interactions and ensuring informed consent.