Texas Nursing Jurisprudence and Ethics _________________________________________________________
- Failing to follow the policy and procedure in place for the wastage of medications at the facility where the nurse was employed or working at the time of the incident(s) - A positive drug screen for which there is no lawful prescription - Obtaining or attempting to obtain or deliver medication(s) through means of misrepresentation, fraud, forgery, deception, and/or subterfuge • Unlawful practice, including, but not limited to: - Knowingly aiding, assisting, advising, or allowing an unlicensed person to engage in the unlawful practice of vocational, registered, or advanced practice nursing - Violating an order of the Board; carelessly or repetitively violating a state or federal law relating to the practice of vocational, registered, or advanced practice nursing; or violating a state or federal narcotics or controlled substance law - Knowingly aiding, assisting, advising, or allowing a nurse under Board order to violate the conditions set forth in the order - Failing to report violations of the Nursing Practice Act and/or the Board’s rules and regulations • Leaving a nursing assignment (including a supervisory assignment) without notifying the appropriate personnel WORKPLACE VIOLENCE In 2018, the Board issued a new position statement addressing workplace violence [9]. It is important for the interprofessional team to work collaboratively in support of an effective violence prevention program. This includes acknowledging the value of a safe, violence-free workplace; ensuring and exhibiting equal commitment to the safety and health of workers and patients; and maintaining a system of accountability for all involved members of the healthcare team [9]. THE USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA The issue of exploitive or inappropriate use of patient informa- tion or images on social media is becoming increasingly signifi- cant. As discussed, the Board of Nursing Position Statement 15.29: Professional Boundaries Including Use of Social Media by Nurses offers clarification on the relevant ethical and legal issues regarding this topic, including the use of social media as a beneficial tool for nurses and patients alike. The statement emphasizes that confidentiality and privacy extend to online posts or conversations and, more specifically, that [9]: • Patient-related images are not to be transmitted via elec- tronic media, regardless of whether the patient is identi- fied by name; taking photo or video of patients with personal devices, including cell phones, is prohibited. Images taken for legitimate purposes, using employer- provided devices, may be allowed based on employer policy.
• Use caution when having online social contact with patients or former patients. The fact that a patient may initiate contact with the nurse does not permit a personal relationship. • Nurses should not make disparaging remarks about patients, co-workers, or employers on social media, even if persons are not identified. AI has increasingly entered professional practice since 2020, and in 2024, the Texas Board of Nursing adopted a position statement on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in nursing practice and education [9]. The statement asserts that the use of AI may be an option in a nurse’s practice, but the nurse’s primary focus should remain on how to uphold the standards of nursing practice, and other Board rules and regulations. Whether or not AI is integrated into a nurse’s practice, it is the opinion of the Board that the nurse relies on their nursing judgment and expertise and is always accountable to uphold the Nurse Practice Act and Board Rules. While AI can provide support and assist clinical decision-making, it does not replace the nurse’s professional judgment or accountability. For the full text of the Position Statement regarding the use of AI by nurses, and all other Position Statements, please visit https://www.bon.texas.gov/practice_bon_position_state- ments.asp.html. CONCLUSION It is the responsibility of the Texas Board of Nursing to enforce the rules regulating the practice of nursing as the rules are currently stated—not how individuals may wish them to be. As nurses are affected by these rules and regulations, they have the responsibility to keep informed of regulatory changes in order to maintain licensure. It should be remembered that practicing within the minimum standards, though a neces- sity, is not all that is expected of nurses. Fulfilling ethical obligations to patients, co-workers, employers, and society is also an important part of health care, and it is only when the regulatory and ethical aspects of practice are combined that a nurse can be fully effective.
WORKS CITED https://qr2.mobi/TX-Ethics
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