Corporate negligence is the legal doctrine that holds health-care facilities, such as hospitals, nurs ing homes and medical clinics, responsible for the well-being of patients. If a health-care facility fails to maintain a clean and safe environment, hire competent and properly trained employees, oversee care and implement safety policies, it can be held liable for any harm to patients. Any small health-care business could theoretically be sued under the doctrine of corporate negligenc e for the actions of its employees.