What does the term 'duty of care mean' in health and social care in mental health?

'Duty of care' refers to the legal obligation which is imposed on health and and social workers that requires them to maintain a standard of reasonable care when performing any acts that could potentially harm another human being.

While many job functions and requirements may be spelled out in further detail for a specific job; the statement 'duty of care' is meant to be the catch all concept covering any and all situations that may arise during the care of a patient.

In effect it imposes a legal obligation and not just a moral obligation that the care giver is going to maintain a level of professional standards at all times when treating a patient.