A former patient is publicly discrediting the NP's practice through written statements. What type of defamation does this represent?

The scenario involves a former patient making written statements that discredit the nurse practitioner's practice. In legal terms, when someone makes false statements about another person in a written form, it is classified as libel. Libel is a type of defamation that specifically pertains to damaging statements made in a permanent medium, such as written words or published material, which can be proved and causes harm to an individual’s reputation.

This case fits perfectly into the definition of libel because the statements are written, making it distinct from slander, which deals with spoken defamatory statements. Understanding the nuances between these terms is essential in the field of nursing practice, as it highlights the importance of professionalism and the potential consequences of patient interactions beyond the clinical setting.