Archive, February 2016.
Medical Physicists, Respiratory Therapists, Radiology Technicians, and Perfusionists Licensing Now Regulated by Texas Medical Board
Senate Bill 202, which went into effect on January 4, 2016, transferred the licensing of medical physicists, respiratory care practitioners, medical radiologic technologists, and perfusionists to the Texas Medical Board (TMB). This transition imposes new regulations and requirements for professionals within these fields. As such, it is important to understand how these changes will affect your license both now and in the future.
Avoiding Nursing Fatigue and Burnout in the Workplace
Workplace fatigue—fueled by long work hours, heavy patient loads, fluctuating 24/7 shifts, a constantly evolving field, and the pressure of making snap-second life or death decisions—is not a new issue for nurses. It is a point of interest, however, when examining the risk of subpar patient care may lead to issues with the Texas Board of Nursing. As such, nurses need to know how to effectively combat fatigue and burnout within their lives, and their jobs.
Nursing Standard of Care Breaches and Potential Consequences
When treating or overseeing the treatment of patients, all licensed nurses are required to follow a set of rules and regulations. Otherwise known as the Nursing Standard of Care, these guidelines are developed by the Texas Board of Nursing (BON). This very same agency oversees investigations and orders disciplinary actions when a standard of care breach occurs or is suspected. If you are facing an investigation, know your risks and if or when action should be taken.
Potential Licensing Penalties for Violations Committed by a Licensed Professional
Licensed medical professionals who commit board violations may become subject to a number of potential penalties. Dependent on the nature, level, and frequency of that offense, as well as several other factors, those consequences can range in severity, from monetary fines to complete license suspension or revocation. Unfortunately, many health care professionals fail to realize just how at risk they may be during an investigation, which can sometimes make the situation worse.
