Texas Board of Nursing (BON) Practice Exam

According to the Texas BON, how is telehealth nursing regulated?

1. It follows different regulations than traditional nursing

2. It is regulated under the same standards as traditional nursing practice

3. It has no specific regulations

4. It is only regulated for certain specialties

The correct answer is: It is regulated under the same standards as traditional nursing practice

Telehealth nursing is regulated under the same standards as traditional nursing practice, reflecting the Texas Board of Nursing's commitment to ensuring that all nurses deliver safe and effective care, regardless of the setting. This means that nurses providing care through telehealth must adhere to the same ethical and professional standards, licensing requirements, and scope of practice regulations that govern in-person nursing. The rationale behind this approach is to maintain a consistent level of care and accountability in both telehealth and traditional face-to-face interactions. This regulatory alignment ensures that the quality of care, patient safety, and professional conduct are upheld, regardless of the mode of delivery. In contrast, stating that telehealth follows different regulations would suggest a disconnect that could compromise patient safety. Similarly, asserting that there are no specific regulations would overlook the rigorous standards that safeguard nursing practice across all platforms. Limiting regulation to certain specialties would undermine the overarching framework that governs nursing as a profession. By treating telehealth under the same standards, it reinforces the integrity and professionalism expected of all nurses.