TX NJE - Texas Nursing Jurisprudence Grounds for Disciplinary Action Questions and Answers

Question 1

A nurse is arrested for a Class A misdemeanor for theft, a crime involving moral turpitude. The nurse is placed on deferred adjudication. According to the Texas Nursing Practice Act, what is the Texas Board of Nursing (BON) empowered to do?

Accepted Answer

Deny licensure or take disciplinary action against the nurse's license.

Answer

The Texas Occupations Code Sec. 301.452(b)(3) explicitly states that a person is subject to denial of a license or to disciplinary action for a conviction for, or placement on deferred adjudication community supervision or deferred disposition for, a felony or for a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude. Therefore, the BON has the authority to act based on the deferred adjudication status, without waiting for a final conviction.

Question 2

A nurse knowingly allows a medical assistant, who is unlicensed for nursing practice, to perform a sterile wound dressing change on a patient. This action constitutes grounds for disciplinary action under which specific provision of the BON rules?

Accepted Answer

Aiding and abetting an unlicensed person in the unauthorized practice of nursing.

Answer

Texas Occupations Code Sec. 301.452(b)(7) lists 'directly or indirectly aiding or abetting an unlicensed person in connection with the unauthorized practice of nursing' as grounds for disciplinary action. Performing a sterile dressing change is a nursing task that requires licensure. Rule 217.12 also defines knowingly aiding or allowing an unlicensed person to engage in the unlawful practice of nursing as Unprofessional Conduct.

Question 3

Which of the following actions is explicitly defined as 'Unprofessional Conduct' under Texas Administrative Code, Rule 217.12 and could subject a nurse to disciplinary action?

Accepted Answer

Falsifying entries in a client's medical record.

Answer

According to 22 Tex. Admin. Code § 217.12, unprofessional conduct includes falsifying reports, client documentation, agency records, or other documents. This is considered a serious breach of professional standards aimed at protecting the public from unethical and illegal acts. The other options, while potentially problematic in an employment context, are not specifically listed as unprofessional conduct by the BON.

Question 4

A nurse arrives for their shift appearing intoxicated and with slurred speech. The charge nurse removes the nurse from patient care duties. According to the Nursing Practice Act, this nurse's behavior is grounds for disciplinary action due to:

Accepted Answer

Intemperate use of alcohol or drugs that could endanger a patient.

Answer

The Texas Occupations Code §301.452(b)(9) specifies that 'intemperate use of alcohol or drugs that the board determines endangers or could endanger a patient' is grounds for disciplinary action. The definition of 'intemperate use' includes being on duty or on call while under the influence.

Question 5

A nurse's license in another Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state is suspended due to a finding of patient neglect. What impact does this have on the nurse's privilege to practice in Texas?

Accepted Answer

The nurse's privilege to practice in Texas is also subject to disciplinary action.

Answer

Under the Nursing Practice Act, specifically Texas Occupations Code Sec. 301.452(b)(8), disciplinary action can be taken against a nurse for 'revocation, suspension, or denial of, or any other action relating to, the person's license or privilege to practice nursing in another jurisdiction.' As a member of the NLC, Texas will honor and act upon the disciplinary actions of other compact states.

TX NJE - Texas Nursing Jurisprudence Exam Practice Test

TX NJE - Texas Nursing Jurisprudence Exam Practice Test

TX NJE - Texas Nursing Jurisprudence Grounds for Disciplinary Action Questions and Answers