Sec. 604.201. DISCIPLINARY ACTION

(a) For a violation of this chapter or a rule adopted under this chapter, the department may:

(1) deny, suspend, suspend on an emergency basis, revoke, or refuse to renew a certificate or temporary permit;

(2) place the certificate or permit holder on probation under conditions set by the department; or

(3) reprimand the certificate or permit holder.

(b) The department shall take disciplinary action authorized under Subsection (a) if the department determines that a person who holds a certificate or temporary permit:

(1) is guilty of fraud or deceit in procuring, renewing, or attempting to procure a certificate or temporary permit;

(2) is unfit or incompetent because of negligence or another cause of incompetency;

(3) is addicted to or has improperly obtained, possessed, used, or distributed a habit-forming drug or narcotic or is habitually intemperate in the use of alcoholic beverages;

(4) is guilty of dishonest or unethical conduct as determined by the department;

(5) has practiced respiratory care after the person's certificate or temporary permit has expired;

(6) has practiced respiratory care under a certificate or temporary permit illegally or fraudulently obtained or issued;

(7) has practiced respiratory care without the direction of a qualified medical director or other licensed physician; or

(8) has violated this chapter or aided or abetted another in violating this chapter.

Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.