Texas Jurisprudence Exam Physician Assistant Practice Exam

Which of the following reasons could lead to disciplinary action for a physician assistant by the Board?

1. Being employed full-time

2. Being rude to patients

3. Writing a fictitious prescription

4. Good performance reviews

The correct answer is: Writing a fictitious prescription

Writing a fictitious prescription is a serious breach of ethical and legal standards in the practice of a physician assistant. This act constitutes fraud and can jeopardize patient safety by potentially leading to misuse of medications. The integrity of the prescription process is fundamental to healthcare, as prescriptions must be written based on legitimate medical need and patient assessment. Engaging in such dishonest behavior not only violates the laws governing medical practice but also undermines trust in healthcare providers. Therefore, the Board can rightfully impose disciplinary action for this kind of misconduct to uphold the standards of practice and protect public health. The other options presented do not inherently indicate grounds for disciplinary action. For instance, being employed full-time is typically expected of a physician assistant and does not violate any regulations. Being rude to patients, while unprofessional and concerning for patient relations, may not directly lead to disciplinary action unless it is part of a larger pattern of behavior affecting the standard of care. Lastly, receiving good performance reviews suggests competent practice and would not contribute to disciplinary issues. In summary, the act of writing a fictitious prescription is a clear violation that warrants disciplinary measures by the Board.