Texas House Bill HB1128

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/27/09

Caption

Relating to certain corrective actions by the Texas Board of Nursing, including a pilot program on deferred disciplinary action; providing corrective actions.

Impact

The enactment of HB1128 would reframe the existing disciplinary procedures applied by the Texas Board of Nursing. Through the introduction of corrective actions that may include fines or remedial education rather than immediate disciplinary sanctions, the Board can instill a more educational approach to violations. This amendment to existing laws could lead to a reassessment of how violations are managed and could ultimately affect the professional landscape of nursing, allowing for more opportunities for education and improvement rather than punishment.

Summary

House Bill 1128 establishes a framework for the Texas Board of Nursing to implement certain corrective actions in response to violations. The bill introduces a pilot program to evaluate the effectiveness of deferring final disciplinary actions against nursing licensees who meet specific conditions. The primary aim of this legislation is to enhance the regulatory process while ensuring public safety and maintaining the standards of nursing practice in Texas. By providing more flexible corrective action options, the bill seeks to balance accountability with the possibility of rehabilitation for nursing professionals.

Contention

There are potential points of contention regarding the implementation of deferral of disciplinary actions, especially concerning how the board will determine which cases are eligible for this pilot program. Critics may argue that deferring disciplinary actions could undermine the seriousness of professional standards and potentially jeopardize patient safety. Conversely, supporters of the bill might contend that the proposed corrective measures can lead to better outcomes for licensees who genuinely seek rehabilitation and that it highlights a progressive shift in how regulatory bodies address violations.