Page:Paulino v. QHG of Springdale, Inc.pdf/16

 view to the tort of outrage, and requires clear-cut proof to establish the elements in outrage cases).

In addition, since we find no direct negligence on the part of NMC due to its credentialing, it would be contrary to that decision to find that outrage did occur, when outrage requires a higher burden of proof than mere negligence. See Crockett, 341 Ark. 558, 19 S.W.3d 585. Finally, without an award of compensatory damages, there is no basis for punitive relief. Bell v. McManus, 294 Ark. 275, 277, 742 S.W.2d 559, 560, opinion supplemented on denial of reh'g, 294 Ark. 275, 745 S.W.2d 140 (1988) ("In the absence of an award for damages for the underlying cause of action, punitive damages are improper.").

For all of these reasons, the order of summary judgment is affirmed.

Affirmed.

G, J., not participating.