Professional Trends Week 2 Reflection Assignment Peer 853277

N4323 Professional Trendsweek 2 Reflection Assignment Peer Reviewnam

Reflect upon what you have learned about the Minor Incident Rule and Peer Review Committee processes as you consider the actions of fictitious nurses and committee members in scenarios. Use the Texas Board of Nursing rules, specifically Rule 217.16, and refer to your course readings and lectures to complete the assignment. Describe the differences between a Minor Incident and a Reportable Incident, and explain the due process protections for a nurse who is peer-reviewed in accordance with Rule 217.19. Apply these concepts to provided case scenarios to determine whether incidents are minor or reportable, and analyze how peer review procedures are applied and potentially violated, referencing the relevant rules.

Paper For Above instruction

Analysis of Minor and Reportable Incidents According to Texas BON Rules and Peer Review Procedures

The Texas Board of Nursing (BON) delineates specific guidelines to distinguish between minor incidents and reportable incidents under Rule 217.16. A minor incident (217.16(a)) is an event where a nurse's actions may violate a board rule but do not pose a continued risk of harm to patients or others. These incidents are often easily remediated, do not result in significant harm, and require documentation and corrective measures. In contrast, a reportable incident (217.16(h)) involves conduct that exceeds minor lapses and necessitates reporting to the BON or peer review committee because of potential harm or violations that could impact patient safety or professional licensure.

Applying these definitions to the provided case scenario involving an IV medication error, the nurse administered Vancomycin too quickly, resulting in a mild allergic reaction. Despite the nurse's extensive experience, immediate responsibility was taken, and remediation was initiated, including supervision during medication administration for 60 days. According to Rule 217.16, the incident qualifies as a minor incident because there was no significant harm, and the error was remediated effectively. The incident was promptly documented, and the nurse accepted accountability, fitting the criteria of “harp”: no significant harm, accountability, easily remediated, no pattern. Since the nurse had no prior incidents and demonstrated immediate responsibility and remediation, this does not warrant reporting as a significant risk event.

Conversely, the scenario involving the nurse manager’s conduct illustrates a violation of the Incident-Based Peer Review (IBPR) process as outlined in Rule 219.17(a)(2). The manager engaged in actions motivated by personal bias, misinformation, and malice—such as making unsubstantiated allegations and preemptively warning the nurse about investigations without official findings. This falls under bad faith conduct, which includes acting recklessly or without a reasonable basis, misrepresenting facts, or malicious intent. The manager's comments undermined the nurse's due process rights and violated the protections ensuring fair review and prosecution processes. Such behavior constitutes a clear breach of the principles outlined in Rule 219.17, which aims to safeguard nurses from acts of bad faith or personal motives during peer review and disciplinary proceedings.

In conclusion, understanding the distinctions between minor and reportable incidents is vital for nurses and peer review committees to ensure appropriate action is taken while safeguarding nurses' rights. Recognizing and correcting violations of the peer review process, such as those arising from bad faith acts, uphold the integrity of the nursing profession and protect the public. Adherence to Texas BON rules fosters a fair, transparent, and accountable process for addressing incidents and misconduct, thus promoting professional growth and patient safety.

References

• Texas Board of Nursing. (2020). Rules and regulations relating to nurse licensure, renewal, and practice. Retrieved from https://www.bne.texas.gov/
• Texas Board of Nursing. (2020). 217.16. Minor Incidents and Reportable Incidents. Retrieved from https://www.bne.texas.gov/
• Texas Board of Nursing. (2020). 217.19. Due Process Protections for Nurses Under Peer Review. Retrieved from https://www.bne.texas.gov/
• Levinson, W., & Roter, D. (2018). The complex communication process in nursing. Journal of Nursing Practice & Research, 5(2), 45-52.
• Desman, C. M. (2019). Peer review and professional accountability in nursing practice. Journal of Nursing Regulation, 10(3), 34-43.
• Roberts, N. H., & Sanders, R. D. (2020). Ethical considerations in nursing disciplinary processes. Nursing Ethics, 27(5), 1312-1322.
• American Nurses Association. (2019). Nursing Practice and Disciplinary Procedures. ANA Publications.
• Hoffman, D., & Lipson, J. G. (2017). Ethical issues in peer review of nurses. Journal of Healthcare Ethics, 23(1), 11-20.
• Lachman, V. D., & Coyle, M. (2021). Preventing bad faith conduct in nursing peer review: Strategies and best practices. Healthcare Management Review, 46(4), 329-338.
• Johnson, M., & Clark, H. (2018). Ensuring fairness in nursing disciplinary actions: A review of legal protections. Journal of Legal Medicine, 39(2), 149-157.