What types of misconduct could lead to disciplinary action by the Georgia Board?

Disciplinary action by the Georgia Board can arise from serious forms of misconduct that directly affect the quality of care provided to patients and the integrity of the profession. Among these, substance abuse is a major concern as it can impair a therapist's judgment and effectiveness in providing care. Unethical behavior undermines the trust between patients and healthcare providers, which is essential for effective treatment. Additionally, gross negligence signifies a severe deviation from the accepted standard of care, potentially resulting in harm to patients. Such actions are deemed serious enough to warrant intervention by the Board to protect public safety and uphold professional standards.

Other options, while they may involve issues warranting attention, do not reflect the same severity or direct impact on patient safety and professional integrity. Clerical errors and record-keeping issues, while important, typically relate to administrative aspects rather than the direct quality of therapeutic services. Failure to attend board meetings or ignoring continuing education requirements can reflect a lack of professionalism but are generally considered less critical in terms of patient care compared to substance abuse and ethical violations. Thus, the types of misconduct that could lead to disciplinary action must be significant enough to jeopardize patient safety or the credibility of the profession as a whole.