Joan Smith, an operating room nurse, was loaned to Dr. Brown, a surgeon, by Dr. Williams, Joan's employer. Joan and Dr. Brown are both being sued for malpractice for an injury that occurred during a surgical procedure. Who is liable for Joan's actions?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Under the doctrine of respondeat superior, an employer is responsible for the actions of its employees while they are in the scope of their employment. In this case, Joan was loaned to Dr. Brown by Dr. Williams, making Dr. Brown Joan's temporary employer and agent at the time of the surgery. Therefore, Dr. Brown would be responsible for Joan's actions under the doctrine of respondeat superior.

Joan Smith, an Operating Room Nurse, Was Loaned to Dr