There is no practical difference between the two standards.

Under a "duty to warn" standard, the provider's obligation is specifically to warn the identifiable potential victim. Under a "duty to protect" standard, the provider has broader options that may include warning the victim, notifying law enforcement, hospitalizing the patient, or taking other reasonable clinical steps to prevent harm.

The "duty to warn" standard requires warning both the victim and law enforcement simultaneously.

The "duty to protect" standard only applies in inpatient settings.