Unprofessional Conduct, Disciplinary Grounds, and Enforcement
This domain tests what conduct exposes a hygienist to Board discipline and how the disciplinary process works.
Grounds
The Board may discipline a hygienist for unprofessional conduct, including gross negligence, incompetence, fraud or deceit, false or altered records, practicing beyond scope, aiding unlicensed practice, impairment, violation of infection-control rules, abandonment, confidentiality breaches, and failure to meet CE or renewal requirements. A criminal conviction or Board action in another state may also be grounds.
Process
A complaint typically triggers investigation, possible interim or emergency action, notice, and an administrative hearing. The Board may impose reprimand, fine, probation, suspension, revocation, or CE conditions. Due process requires notice and an opportunity to respond; Board orders are appealable under the Administrative Procedures Act.
Worked example
A hygienist posts a recognizable patient photo with a disparaging comment. Even if the patient is not named, the post can be a confidentiality breach and unprofessional conduct. The Board may act independently of HIPAA or employer discipline.
Traps
Do not assume only criminal conduct is disciplinable. Do not ignore Board correspondence or a hearing notice; failure to respond can lead to default action. Do not assume changing employers erases a complaint.