Texas Jurisprudence Exam Physician Assistant Practice Exam

Under what circumstance may the Physician Assistant Board take action against a physician assistant regarding state law?

1. If the violation is unrelated to practice

2. If the violation is connected with practice

3. Only if reported by a colleague

4. Only if the physician assistant admits guilt

The correct answer is: If the violation is connected with practice

The action taken by the Physician Assistant Board in Texas is directly linked to violations of state law that pertain to the practice of medicine. A violation that is connected with practice can include a range of misconduct, such as failing to adhere to professional standards, performing unauthorized tasks, or engaging in unethical behavior while delivering healthcare. Each of these could compromise patient safety or undermine the integrity of the healthcare system, which is why the Board is empowered to act in such circumstances. In contrast, a violation that is unrelated to practice might include personal issues or misconduct that does not directly influence the delivery of care or the professional responsibilities of a physician assistant. Such issues may not warrant action from the Board since they do not affect the patient's welfare or the integrity of medical practice. Therefore, the board focuses its discretion and authority specifically on those violations that are linked to the actual practice of being a physician assistant.