What principle requires that a healthcare provider does not expose patients to unnecessary risks?

The principle of nonmaleficence is central to the ethical practice of healthcare and requires that healthcare providers do no harm to their patients. This principle emphasizes the responsibility of providers to avoid any actions that could cause injury or suffering, thereby ensuring that patients are not exposed to unnecessary risks during diagnosis, treatment, or care.

Nonmaleficence is foundational to building trust between patients and providers, as it drives healthcare professionals to prioritize patient safety above all else. This principle guides healthcare decision-making, ensuring that the benefits of any intervention outweigh the risks involved and that providers are always vigilant in protecting their patients' well-being.

In contrast, while the concept of malpractice relates to legal standards and negligence, and justice addresses fairness in healthcare, these do not specifically pertain to the obligation to avoid harm, which is the essence of nonmaleficence. Beneficence, on the other hand, focuses on the duty to promote good and act in the best interests of patients, complementing the principle of nonmaleficence but not directly addressing the avoidance of harm.