Texas Board of Nursing (BON) Practice Exam

What are the grounds for disciplinary action by the Texas Board of Nursing?

1. Insufficient continuing education credits

2. Violations can include fraud, substance abuse, and criminal convictions related to nursing practice

3. Failure to renew a nursing license on time

4. Complications arising from patient care procedures

The correct answer is: Violations can include fraud, substance abuse, and criminal convictions related to nursing practice

The correct answer highlights that disciplinary actions by the Texas Board of Nursing can arise from serious violations, including fraud, substance abuse, and criminal convictions that are pertinent to nursing practice. These issues demonstrate a fundamental breach of trust and professionalism expected in the nursing field. Fraud undermines the integrity of the profession, as it involves deceiving patients, employers, or the public, which can compromise patient safety and care quality. Substance abuse is a critical concern since it can impair a nurse's ability to perform their duties safely and effectively, posing risks to patients. Similarly, criminal convictions, particularly those related to nursing practice, signal potential ethical and moral failures that can directly impact a nurse's capability to provide competent care. In contrast, while insufficient continuing education credits may indicate a lack of engagement in professional development, it is typically viewed as a less severe issue compared to the ethical breaches encompassed in the correct answer. Failure to renew a nursing license, though important for legal practice, generally results in administrative actions rather than disciplinary actions concerning patient safety and practice integrity. Complications from patient care procedures, while relevant to clinical practice, typically involve clinical judgment and skill rather than the ethical considerations that the Board emphasizes in its disciplinary proceedings.