Ace the 2026 CPHRM Challenge – Rock Your Health Care Risk Management Skills!

The doctrine of respondeat superior establishes that an employer is held responsible for the actions of their employees when those actions occur within the scope of their employment. This legal principle is based on the idea that employers have a duty to supervise and control the conduct of their employees in the course of their job duties, and thus, they share liability for the results of those employees' actions.

When employees are acting within the parameters of their roles, whether delivering care or performing other job-related tasks, the employer can be held liable for any negligent or harmful actions they take. This fosters a sense of accountability and encourages employers to ensure that their employees are adequately trained and supervised.

In contrast, the other options suggest scenarios that deviate from this principle. They imply conditions under which the employer may not be liable, such as actions taken outside the course of employment or only in cases of gross negligence. However, the core tenet of respondeat superior emphasizes employer liability specifically for actions taken while employees are performing their job functions.