The Texas Board of Nursing (BON) regulates the nursing profession in Texas. BON was created and given authority by state statute. The purpose of the Board is to protect and promote the welfare of the people of Texas. 22 Tex. Admin. Code §211.2(a). The Board works to fulfill its purpose through two main responsibilities: the regulation of the practice of nursing and accreditation of schools of nursing. Id.
The Board’s purpose is not to serve the interests of nurses. The code states, ” This purpose supersedes the interest of any individual, the nursing profession, or any special interest group.” Id. If you are a Texas nurse with a licensure issue before the BON, we urge you to seek the assistance of a nurse license defense attorney to protect your interests.
In service of its purpose, the Board is to carry out a number of functions under the Texas Board of Nursing Rules and Regulations relating to Nurse Education, Licensure and Practice. The primary functions of the Board are to:
- Establish standards of nursing practice and regulate the practice of professional and vocational nursing. The Board issues licenses to graduates of an approved nursing education program seeking licensure by exam, and who are otherwise qualified, and to nurses licensed in other states seeking licensure in Texas.
- Interpret the Texas Nursing Practice Act and the BON Rules and Regulations for nurses, employers, and the public to ensure informed professionals, allied health professionals, and consumers.
- Receive complaints and investigate possible violations of the Nursing Practice Act and rules and regulations.
- Discipline violators through appropriate legal action to enforce the Nursing Practice Act and rules and regulations.
- BON has the authority to take disciplinary action against nurses found to have violated the Nursing Practice Act, a BON Rule, or other law pertaining to the practice of nursing.
- Disciplinary actions include remedial education, fines, warning, reprimand, suspension, probation, or license revocation.
- Establish standards for nursing education and accredit schools of nursing and educational programs which meet the prescribed course of study and other applicable standards.
- Recommend to legislature appropriate changes in the Nursing Practice Act to ensure that the act is current and applicable to changing needs and practices.
22 Tex. Admin. Code §211.2(b). The above list of BON functions is not exhaustive. Under the code, BON has a number of other functions it has a duty to perform as well.
Further, the Board must, “Implement and manage all other programs and responsibilities as authorized and mandated from time to time by the Texas Legislature.” 22 Tex. Admin. Code §211.2(b)(13). BON has a duty to carry out all responsibilities assigned to it by law.
If you are a Texas nurse or seeking licensure, it is important to remember that the BON’s function is not to serve you or your interests. The BON’s purpose is to protect the public. If you are facing a licensure issue with the Texas Board of Nursing, understand that the Board is not on your side.
When Your Nursing License is at Risk
If you are under investigation by the Texas BON in response to a complaint, or there is an issue with obtaining or renewing your license, it is critical that you consult with a Nurse License Defense Attorney immediately. Make no mistake – your license, reputation, and career are on the line. Take the complaint seriously from the start. Address nurse licensure issues head-on. Hire an advocate to protect your rights, your license, and your career.
Our law firm helps professionals, like you, keep their licenses when those licenses are under attack by a state agency or board.
If you have received a licensing complaint, BERTOLINO LLP can help. We represent licensed professionals across the entire State of Texas. Our honest, experienced attorneys will fight aggressively on behalf of your license and reputation.
Contact us today or call (512) 476-5757 to schedule a case evaluation.
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