In the context of professional standards, which term implies an action that must be done?

The term that implies an action that must be done is "must." In professional standards, "must" signifies a requirement that is mandatory and non-negotiable. It indicates that compliance is not optional and is essential for adherence to established regulations, guidelines, or protocols. When a directive or standard uses the word "must," it establishes a clear expectation that the action is necessary for proper conduct or safety within a given context.

The other terms, while related, do not carry the same authoritative weight. For instance, "will" often expresses intention but does not enforce obligation. "Should" implies a recommendation, suggesting that an action is advisable but not required. "Shall," although commonly used in legal and formal contexts to denote requirements, can sometimes be interpreted with more flexibility than "must." Therefore, in the strict sense of professional standards, "must" clearly delineates actions required for compliance.