What activities may constitute grounds for license suspension?

• A. Practicing within scope of practice.
• B. Practicing beyond scope, fraud, chronic negligence, impairment, or criminal conduct related to practice.
• C. Maintaining patient records accurately.
• D. Continuing education compliance.

Answer: (B)

Grounds for license suspension arise when a practitioner does something that seriously jeopardizes patient safety or violates professional standards. When someone practices beyond their authorized scope, they are performing procedures or providing care that they are not trained or allowed to do, which creates real risk for patients. Fraudulent activities, such as misrepresentation or billing for services not provided, directly undermine trust and can harm patients and the healthcare system. Chronic negligence indicates a pattern of careless or substandard care that endangers patients over time. Impairment, whether from substance use or other conditions, can impair judgment, coordination, or decision-making, making ongoing safe practice unlikely. Criminal conduct related to practice encompasses offenses that connect to professional duties, such as prescription fraud or patient harm, which justify suspension to protect the public.

In contrast, practicing within the scope of one’s license, maintaining accurate patient records, and complying with continuing education are all components of competent, compliant practice and are not grounds for suspension when properly followed.