Texas Nursing Failure

Introduction
The Texas Nurse Practice Act was first signed into law by the Texas Legislature on March 28, 1909. Since its inaugural enactment over one hundred years ago, The Texas Board of Nursing has continued to govern the nursing profession by enforcing the regulations of the Act. The Texas Nurse Practice Act nevertheless protects the interest of the nursing profession and promotes safety for patients and public welfare.
Becoming a Registered Nurse
Nursing, as cited by the Nurse Practice act, is defined as “professional or vocational nursing.” The scope of professional nursing practice includes a significant amount of specialized training and judgment in which one can utilize the education learned in nursing school. This includes,
Unless licensed in the State of Texas, a person “may not practice or offer to practice” in the state, professional or vocational nursing, or use the abbreviations “RN” or “LVN” along with any name. Obtaining licensure in the State of Texas, according to the Act, begins with the completion of a satisfactory criminal history record in which fingerprinting is submitted to the Board. Failure to satisfy the criminal history requirements may result in a denial of licensure. After the applicant’s criminal record has been cleared by the Board of Nursing, submitting a sworn licensing application would be the next step in the licensing process. The applicant must be able to demonstrate certain qualifications provided by the Act, including evidence of professionalism, completion of an approved nursing program, and having passed
Registered nurses are expected to uphold specialized skill, safely provide care, and act as an advocate for the patient by complying with the Texas Nurse Practice Act. Under Subchapter I, Sec. 301.401 “Reporting Violations and Patient Care Concerns” defines the nurse’s responsibility to ethically and in good faith, report negligent and suspicious behavior to the Texas Board of Nursing. Violations of the Act which require reporting include, but are not limited to, conduct of a nurse that gives a reasonable suspicion to believe that behaviors are induced by chemical dependency and intentional or negligent actions of a nurse that contribute to the death of a patient. These prohibitory actions are subject to review by a peer committee, which will report recommendations to the Board on disciplinary actions, if any, against the nurse. Under Subchapter I, Sec. 301.402 of the Act, the nurse reporting the violation is protected from suspension, termination, or any other retaliatory act that may occur as a result of the