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Texas Statutes (Last Updated: January 4, 2014) |
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OCCUPATIONS CODE |
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Title 3. HEALTH PROFESSIONS |
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Subtitle E. REGULATION OF NURSING |
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Chapter 301. NURSES |
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Subchapter I. REPORTING VIOLATIONS AND PATIENT CARE CONCERNS |
Sec. 301.4025. OPTIONAL REPORT BY NURSE
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(a) In a written, signed report to the appropriate licensing board or accrediting body, a nurse may report a licensed health care practitioner, agency, or facility that the nurse has reasonable cause to believe has exposed a patient to substantial risk of harm as a result of failing to provide patient care that conforms to:
(1) minimum standards of acceptable and prevailing professional practice, for a report made regarding a practitioner; or
(2) statutory, regulatory, or accreditation standards, for a report made regarding an agency or facility.
(b) A nurse may report to the nurse's employer or another entity at which the nurse is authorized to practice any situation that the nurse has reasonable cause to believe exposes a patient to substantial risk of harm as a result of a failure to provide patient care that conforms to minimum standards of acceptable and prevailing professional practice or to statutory, regulatory, or accreditation standards. For purposes of this subsection, an employer or entity includes an employee or agent of the employer or entity.
(c) A person may not suspend or terminate the employment of, or otherwise discipline, discriminate against, or retaliate against, a person who:
(1) reports in good faith under this section; or
(2) advises a nurse of the nurse's right to report under this section.
(d) A violation of Subsection (c) is subject to Section 301.413.