What actions by a registered nurse are reportable to the state board of nursing?

The actions that are reportable to the state board of nursing typically involve violations of professional practice standards or regulatory laws that could endanger patient safety or violate ethical standards. Administering medication without a prescription clearly falls under this category. It is a serious violation of nursing practice laws, as it compromises patient safety and goes against the legal scope of nursing practice. Nurses must adhere to guidelines that require a valid order from a licensed provider before administering medications, as this ensures appropriate care and accountability.

The other actions, while they may reflect unprofessional behavior or personal accountability issues, are not direct violations of nursing practice laws that warranted being reported to the state board. Habitual tardiness, for instance, is more about workplace conduct and may be addressed internally rather than through a formal report. Similarly, documenting interventions that were not performed constitutes unethical behavior but does not directly violate laws governing nursing practice. Stealing narcotics is illegal and potentially reportable, but in this context, the action most clearly linked to a direct violation of nursing laws is administering medication without a prescription.