Texas Jurisprudence Exam Physician Assistant Practice Exam

The Physician Assistant Board may take action against a physician assistant if they have which of the following?

1. A clean record of employment

2. A known history of disciplinary action

3. Good standing in previous positions

4. A master's degree in healthcare

The correct answer is: A known history of disciplinary action

The reason that a known history of disciplinary action can lead the Physician Assistant Board to take action against a physician assistant lies in the regulatory standards set for healthcare professionals. Disciplinary actions are often indicative of a pattern of behavior that may threaten patient safety or violate professional standards. The board is responsible for ensuring that practitioner conduct aligns with the ethical and legal expectations of the profession, which includes addressing any past disciplinary issues. If a physician assistant has a documented history of such actions, it raises concerns about their competence, professionalism, and ability to provide safe and effective care to patients. Therefore, the presence of disciplinary action serves as a critical factor in determining the appropriateness of a physician assistant’s ongoing practice. In contrast, a clean record of employment, good standing in previous positions, or possessing a master's degree in healthcare do not suggest any prior misconduct or unprofessional behavior, and therefore would not trigger scrutiny or actions from the board. Rather, they may serve as positive indicators of a physician assistant's qualifications and professionalism.