Touching or treating a patient without their consent is defined as what?

The correct answer is battery, as it specifically refers to the act of intentionally touching or treating someone without their consent. In the context of medical or healthcare situations, battery can occur even if the treatment is intended to be beneficial, if the patient has not given permission for that treatment to take place. This principle emphasizes the importance of consent in medical practice, highlighting that patients have the right to make informed decisions about their own bodies and medical care.

The concept of battery is closely linked to the legal framework governing personal rights and bodily autonomy, making it a significant area in both criminal and civil law. This is distinct from assault, which involves the threat of harm or fear of imminent violence but does not require actual contact. Negligence relates to a failure to meet a standard of care that results in harm, and fraud involves deceit for personal gain. Therefore, battery most accurately captures the wrongful act of touching or treating a patient without their express consent.