Which intentional tort involves withdrawing care without appropriate notice, leaving a patient without care?

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

Answer: (D)

When a caregiver withdraws care from a patient who is relying on them, without giving appropriate notice or arranging for another qualified provider to take over, that is abandonment. The professional has a duty to provide continuous, safe care, and deserting the patient breaks that duty and can put the patient at risk of harm. This differs from others: assault is a threat of harm, battery is actual harmful contact, and false imprisonment is unlawful restraint or confinement. Abandonment specifically focuses on ceasing care without ensuring ongoing treatment and communication to transfer responsibility, creating a risk to the patient’s safety.