Final answer:
A written violation of a patient's privacy potentially leading to defamation is termed libel. Libel involves false written statements with an intent to harm reputation, and public figures must prove actual malice to win a libel case.
Step-by-step explanation:
A written violation of a patient's right to privacy that may result in a charge of defamation of character being filed against a health care provider is termed libel. Libel refers to the publishing of false information in written form with an intent to harm a person's reputation. Whereas slander involves spoken false statements, libel entails written statements. It is important to note that for a statement to constitute defamation of character, the information must be false and presented as fact. In the context of media, opinions are often protected from libel and slander provisions. Moreover, for a public figure to win a libel case, it must be proven that the published statement was made with 'actual malice'—a term that arose from the New York Times v. Sullivan case, meaning the publisher knew the information was false or showed reckless disregard for the truth.