After being notified by Dr. Josephs that Nurse Norris's employment with his office was terminated, Norris applied for a position with Hospital. In her application, Norris listed her former employment with Josephs. Josephs, in response to a telephone inquiry from Hospital, stated that "Norris lacked professional competence." Although Josephs believed that to be a fair assessment of Norris, his adverse rating was based on one episode of malpractice for which he blamed Norris but which in fact was chargeable to another doctor. Because of the adverse comment on her qualifications provided by Josephs, Norris was not employed by Hospital. If Norris asserts a claim based on defamation against Josephs, will Norris prevail?
Yes, because Josephs was mistaken in the facts on which he based his opinion of Norris's competence.  Yes, because the statement of Josephs reflected adversely on Norris's professional competence.  No, if Norris authorized Hospital to make inquiry of her former employer.  No, if Josephs had reasonable grounds for his belief that Norris was not competent.