Do TBCE inspections occur, and what are they for?

• A. Inspections only occur when a complaint is filed.
• B. Inspections focus solely on marketing materials.
• C. The board may inspect offices, records, and practices to ensure compliance with statutes and rules.
• D. Inspections are secret and cannot be known to licensees.

Answer: (C)

TBCE inspections are about safeguarding practice standards by checking that offices, records, and clinical and business practices comply with the applicable statutes and board rules. The board may inspect an office environment, patient records, billing and advertising materials, and everyday operations to verify lawful and ethical conduct. This isn’t limited to reacting to a complaint or only examining marketing materials; inspections can be routine or triggered by investigations, and they aim to ensure overall compliance, not secret surveillance. If issues are found, the board can require corrective actions or take disciplinary steps.