Which term describes an act that is not theirs to legally perform?

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

Answer: (A)

Performing an act you are not legally allowed to do is malfeasance. In athletic training, this means attempting a procedure or making a medical decision that lies outside your scope or authority, even with good intentions. The harm isn’t just about making a mistake—it’s about crossing a legal boundary and acting beyond what you’re permitted to perform, which can expose you to liability.

Misfeasance, by contrast, is carrying out a legal action but doing it incorrectly or ineptly, leading to harm due to improper execution rather than an unlawful act. Nonfeasance is failing to perform a duty you are obligated to carry out, which can also cause harm but stems from not acting at all. Negligence involves failing to provide the expected standard of care, typically due to carelessness rather than stepping outside professional boundaries.

So the scenario described fits malfeasance because the key element is performing something you’re not legally authorized to perform.