Designed as part of a 40-hour course in medical law and economics, this lesson plan was developed to enable students to: (1) define and give examples of the tort of negligence in the medical profession; (2) distinguish between and give examples of personal and professional negligence; (3) be able to identify, for a given situation, the three major points a plaintiff in a professional negligence suit will have to prove; (4) apply the doctrine of "respondeat superior" to the physician-employer/medical assistant relationship and translate its importance into the medical office setting; and (5) explain how to reduce the likelihood of rendering an employer or oneself liable. The lesson plan begins with information on the course for which the 50-minute lesson was designed; equipment and audiovisual aids needed; requirements for student materials; course objectives; bibliographic references; and special remarks for the instructor. Next, a step-by-step outline of the instructor's presentation is provided in a format indicating the length of time and the equipment or other aids necessary for each step of the lesson. Transparency masters are included. (PAA)