Final answer:
The primary difference between negligence and malpractice is that negligence refers to a failure to provide a standard level of care, while malpractice involves harm resulting from that failure.
Step-by-step explanation:
The primary difference between negligence and malpractice in healthcare is that negligence refers to a failure to provide a standard level of care, while malpractice involves harm resulting from that failure. Negligence can occur when a healthcare professional fails to act with the same level of care that another reasonable professional would have in a similar situation. Malpractice, on the other hand, involves a negligent act or omission by a healthcare provider that causes harm or injury to a patient.