Nursing Jurisprudence and Ethics for Texas Nurses Practice Exam

Which of the following statements correctly reflects Board Rule 217.20 regarding the Safe Harbor Peer Review?

1. A nurse can invoke Safe Harbor after committing an error that caused patient harm.

2. An employer or supervisor can refuse to allow a nurse to invoke Safe Harbor if they resolve the staffing issues.

3. Safe Harbor must be invoked prior to engaging in the assignment or at any time the assignment changes as long as the nurse believes it places patients at risk of harm.

4. The Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) or Nurse Administrator does not have to assure compliance with the Nursing Peer Review Law or Board Rule 217.20 Safe Harbor Peer Review.

The correct answer is: A nurse can invoke Safe Harbor after committing an error that caused patient harm.

The correct understanding of Board Rule 217.20 regarding Safe Harbor Peer Review is reflected in the statement that Safe Harbor must be invoked prior to engaging in the assignment or at any time the assignment changes, as long as the nurse believes it places patients at risk of harm. This emphasizes the proactive nature of the Safe Harbor process, which is designed to protect nurses from potential disciplinary action when they are faced with assignments that may compromise patient safety. The key aspect of this rule is that it provides a formal mechanism for nurses to express their concerns about assignments that they believe are unsafe, ensuring that patient welfare is prioritized. The process is intended to be utilized before any actions that may result in an error occur, underlining the importance of addressing potential risks in advance. The other choices do not align with the principles of the Safe Harbor provision. For example, invoking Safe Harbor after an error that has already resulted in patient harm does not adhere to the spirit of prevention that Safe Harbor embodies. Furthermore, it is not acceptable for an employer or supervisor to deny the invocation of Safe Harbor simply due to staffing issues being resolved, as the focus should remain on ensuring safe practices. Lastly, the responsibility for ensuring compliance with the Nursing Peer Review Law and the proper invocation of Safe Harbor