What does "malfeasance" signify in healthcare law?

Malfeasance in healthcare law refers specifically to the illegal or wrongful performance of a lawful act that results in harm. This definition emphasizes that the action taken is not prohibited by law but is executed in a manner that is inappropriate or negligent, leading to adverse outcomes for patients.

To further clarify this concept, when a healthcare professional engages in malfeasance, they are performing their duties in a way that deviates from accepted standards or fails to uphold the duty of care owed to patients, even though the act itself might typically be within the scope of what they are legally allowed to do.

In contrast, the other options highlight different concepts. Failure to perform obligations describes nonfeasance, which is when someone does not act when they should, rather than acting improperly. Legal compliance relates to adherence to laws and regulations, which is not the focus of malfeasance. Lastly, compliance with patient requests addresses the ethical obligations of healthcare professionals and is not connected to the legal implications of wrongful acts.