Nebraska Administrative Code Topic - PROFESSIONAL PRACTICES COMMISSION
Overview of the Professional Practices Commission (PPC)
The PPC is responsible for investigating and addressing allegations of professional misconduct or incompetence among licensed professionals in Nebraska. This can include healthcare providers, educators, and other licensed professionals depending on the profession. The Commission ensures public protection, adherence to professional standards, and appropriate corrective actions when violations occur.
1. Practicing Without a Valid License
Rule: Individuals must hold a current and valid license to practice their profession in Nebraska.
Case Example: A nurse begins providing patient care without having renewed their license. The PPC receives a complaint and investigates. The nurse may face sanctions including fines, temporary suspension, or permanent revocation of the ability to practice until licensing requirements are met.
Why it matters: Protects the public by ensuring only qualified, legally authorized professionals provide services.
2. Professional Negligence or Incompetence
Rule: Professionals must provide services in accordance with accepted standards of practice.
Case Example: A physical therapist repeatedly fails to follow treatment protocols, leading to patient harm. After investigation, the PPC may issue disciplinary action such as probation, mandatory retraining, or suspension of the license.
Why it matters: Ensures professionals provide competent, safe, and ethical services.
3. Fraudulent or Misleading Documentation
Rule: Professionals must maintain accurate records and avoid false statements.
Case Example: A therapist submits patient progress notes claiming treatments were administered that never occurred. Upon review, the PPC may suspend the license, impose fines, and require corrective actions.
Why it matters: Maintains integrity in professional documentation and protects patients and institutions from deception.
4. Unprofessional Conduct or Ethical Violations
Rule: Licensees must adhere to ethical standards and professional codes of conduct.
Case Example 1: A therapist engages in sexual relations with a patient. This is a violation of ethical standards. The PPC may revoke the license and issue public notice of the disciplinary action.
Case Example 2: A professional verbally abuses or discriminates against clients or colleagues. This can result in sanctions, probation, or mandated training.
Why it matters: Protects patients and colleagues from harm, preserves trust in professional relationships.
5. Substance Abuse or Impairment While Practicing
Rule: Professionals must not practice while impaired by drugs, alcohol, or other substances.
Case Example: A pharmacist is found to have been working while under the influence of alcohol. The PPC can suspend the license, require treatment programs, and impose ongoing monitoring before reinstatement.
Why it matters: Ensures public safety and prevents harm due to impaired judgment or performance.
6. Failure to Comply with Continuing Education Requirements
Rule: Licensed professionals must complete required continuing education (CE) to maintain competency.
Case Example: An occupational therapist fails to submit proof of CE hours at license renewal. The PPC may place the license on inactive status until CE requirements are met.
Why it matters: Maintains ongoing professional competence and ensures practitioners stay up-to-date in their field.
7. Improper Billing or Financial Misconduct
Rule: Licensees must bill accurately and avoid fraudulent financial practices.
Case Example: A therapist bills for services that were never provided or exaggerates claims to insurance. The PPC investigates, and disciplinary action may include fines, license suspension, and corrective billing requirements.
Why it matters: Protects patients, insurers, and the integrity of professional practice.
8. Failure to Maintain Confidentiality
Rule: Professionals must protect client and patient information and share only when legally permitted.
Case Example: A counselor discloses confidential client information without consent. The PPC can impose sanctions such as license suspension, mandatory ethics training, or fines.
Why it matters: Ensures privacy and maintains trust between professionals and the public.
9. Criminal Conviction Related to Professional Practice
Rule: A conviction for a crime related to professional duties can lead to PPC action.
Case Example: A nurse is convicted of theft of medications from a clinic. The PPC may suspend or revoke the license, depending on the severity of the offense.
Why it matters: Protects patients, clients, and the public from unethical or illegal behavior.
✅ Summary Table of Key PPC Cases
| Situation | Rule Violated | Possible Consequences |
|---|---|---|
| Practicing without license | Unauthorized practice | Suspension, fines, license revocation |
| Professional negligence | Competency standards | Probation, retraining, suspension |
| Fraudulent documentation | Ethics / recordkeeping | License suspension, fines |
| Sexual misconduct / unprofessional behavior | Ethics standards | License revocation, public notice |
| Substance abuse while practicing | Safety & ethics | Suspension, treatment, monitoring |
| CE non-compliance | License maintenance | Inactive license, remedial CE |
| Billing fraud | Financial ethics | Fines, restitution, license suspension |
| Breach of confidentiality | Patient/client privacy | Sanctions, ethics training |
| Criminal conviction | Legal compliance | Suspension or revocation |
Key Takeaway:
The PPC exists to protect the public, ensure ethical and competent practice, and hold licensees accountable. Violations range from incompetence and negligence to ethical breaches, criminal conduct, or failure to meet licensing requirements. Disciplinary measures vary based on the severity of the case, including fines, probation, retraining, suspension, or license revocation.
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