List common grounds for discipline by the Florida Board of Nursing.

• A. Incompetence or negligence, fraud or deceit in obtaining a license, practicing while impaired, misrepresentation, professional boundary violations, practicing beyond the scope, drug or alcohol impairment, and other violations of statutes or rules.
• B. Only administrative errors in paperwork.
• C. Disciplinary actions are not allowed in Florida.
• D. Failing to attend annual conferences.

Answer: (A)

Public protection hinges on discipline for conduct that compromises patient safety and breaches professional standards. Grounds include incompetence or negligence in providing care; fraud or deceit in obtaining or renewing a license; practicing while impaired by drugs or alcohol; misrepresentation in professional activities; violations of professional boundaries with patients; practicing beyond the scope of nursing as defined by law and rules; and other violations of statutes or board rules. These areas cover both the quality of care and the integrity of the licensing process, as well as ethical boundaries and compliance with health and safety laws. They explain why disciplinary actions can be taken even if care was delivered with intent to help but fell short of standards. Other potential issues like administrative paperwork mistakes or attending conferences do not constitute disciplinary grounds on their own.