Part 3 of our Med Mal 101: Back to Basics series explains what qualifies as “medical malpractice” in Arkansas and outlines the legal standard that governs medical-injury claims under the Arkansas Medical Malpractice Act. We break down what a plaintiff must prove, the applicable standard of care, a failure to meet that standard, and causation, and why expert testimony is often required. We also discuss how Arkansas’s “same or similar locality” and specialty-based standards shape what is considered “usual and ordinary” care, including key considerations for informed consent.