What is malfeasance?

Malfeasance refers specifically to willful and intentional harmful actions taken by an individual in an official capacity. In the context of EMS or any professional field, it encompasses acts that are not only wrong but are executed with knowledge of their harmful implications. This distinguishes malfeasance from negligent actions, which arise from carelessness without intent to cause harm, and from lawful actions that inadvertently result in injury, where the individual acted within the law.

Understanding malfeasance is crucial in the realm of emergency medical services because it underscores the importance of ethical decision-making and the potential legal repercussions associated with deliberate misconduct. It emphasizes the responsibility of EMS personnel to act in the best interest of their patients and the community while being aware of how their decisions and actions can impact others.