What does the term "substandard care" refer to?

The term "substandard care" specifically refers to healthcare services that do not meet accepted quality standards. In the context of medical malpractice and professional liability, this concept is crucial, as it pertains to how well a medical professional adheres to the established norms and guidelines of care in their practice. When care is characterized as substandard, it typically indicates that it has not met the minimum requirements for quality, which can lead to harm or injury to patients.

This definition distinguishes substandard care from the other choices, as options suggesting above-standards care or care that meets established guidelines directly contradict the essence of what substandard care represents. Furthermore, while care provided by unlicensed practitioners is a concern in healthcare, it does not inherently classify as substandard, as there are licensed practitioners who may still provide inadequate or substandard care.