Which term describes the act of performing a lawful act in an illegal or improper manner?

Which term describes the act of performing a lawful act in an illegal or improper manner?

• A. Negligence
• B. Malfeasance
• C. Nonfeasance
• D. Misfeasance

Answer: (D)

Misfeasance means the improper performance of a lawful act. The action itself is allowed or required, but the way it is carried out is incorrect or negligent, leading to harm. For example, a clinician administers a medication that is appropriate in principle, but delivers the wrong dose or uses an incorrect technique. The harm comes from the execution, not from doing something illegal. By contrast, malfeasance involves an illegal or unauthorized act, nonfeasance is failing to perform an act that’s required, and negligence is a broader failure to meet the standard of care. So the description fits misfeasance.

Misfeasance means the improper performance of a lawful act. The action itself is allowed or required, but the way it is carried out is incorrect or negligent, leading to harm. For example, a clinician administers a medication that is appropriate in principle, but delivers the wrong dose or uses an incorrect technique. The harm comes from the execution, not from doing something illegal. By contrast, malfeasance involves an illegal or unauthorized act, nonfeasance is failing to perform an act that’s required, and negligence is a broader failure to meet the standard of care. So the description fits misfeasance.