Final answer:
If a patient proves she felt a reasonable apprehension of bodily harm, it can lead to an assault charge. Assault involves actions that create a reasonable expectation of imminent harm, and physical contact need not actually occur to constitute assault.
Step-by-step explanation:
If a patient can prove that she felt "reasonable apprehension of bodily harm", it can result in a type of charge known as assault. Assault in the legal context refers to an act that creates in another person a reasonable apprehension of receiving an immediate harmful or offensive contact. It is not necessary for physical contact to actually occur; the key element is the reasonable expectation that harm could ensue. For instance, raising a fist or verbal threats coupled with a certain conduct may suffice, provided the victim believes and can prove that the act could have led to bodily harm. This is distinguished from battery, where an actual physical contact is made. In the context of criminal law, if the victim has a reasonable fear of immediate harm, the perpetrator may face assault charges, potentially leading to criminal prosecution.