1. (a) Good professional character is the integrated pattern of personal, academic and occupational behaviors which, in the judgment of the Board, indicates that an individual is able to consistently conform his or her conduct to the requirements of the Nursing Practice Act, the Board's rules and regulations, and generally accepted standards of nursing practice including, but not limited to, behaviors indicating honesty, accountability, trustworthiness, reliability and integrity.

2. (b) Factors to be used in evaluating good professional character in eligibility and disciplinary matters are:

   1. (1) Good professional character is determined through the evaluation of behaviors demonstrated by an individual in his or her personal, academic and occupational history. An individual's age, education and experience necessarily affect the nature and extent of behavioral history; and, therefore shall be considered in each evaluation.

   2. (2) A person who seeks to obtain or retain a license to practice professional nursing shall provide evidence of good professional character which, in the judgment of the Board, is sufficient to insure that the individual can consistently act in the best interest of patients/clients and the public in any practice setting. Such evidence shall establish that the person:

      1. (A) is able to distinguish right from wrong;
      2. (B) is able to think and act rationally;
      3. (C) is able to keep promises and honor obligations;
      4. (D) is accountable for his or her own behavior;
      5. (E) is able to practice nursing in an autonomous role with patients/clients, their families and significant others and members of the public who are or who may become physically, emotionally or financially vulnerable;
      6. (F) is able to recognize and honor the interpersonal boundaries appropriate to any therapeutic relationship or health care setting; and
      7. (G) is able to promptly and fully self-disclose facts, circumstances, events, errors and omissions when such disclosure could enhance the health status of patients/clients or the public or could protect patients/clients or the public from unnecessary risk of harm.

Source Note:The provisions of this §213.27 adopted to be effective September 1, 1998, 23 TexReg 6444.