What constitutes unprofessional conduct according to TMB rules?

Unprofessional conduct, as defined by the Texas Medical Board (TMB) rules, encompasses behaviors that undermine the integrity of the medical profession and violate ethical standards. Dishonesty, fraud, abuse, and failure to comply with laws are serious breaches that can jeopardize patient safety, erode trust in the healthcare system, and reflect poorly on the medical profession as a whole. This includes fraudulent billing practices, falsifying medical records, or engaging in abusive behavior towards patients or staff.

In contrast, providing care to friends and family, while it may raise concerns about objectivity and professionalism, is not inherently classified as unprofessional conduct unless it leads to a conflict of interest or breaches ethical guidelines. Pursuing additional certifications is generally encouraged as it indicates a commitment to professional development and improving patient care. Disagreeing with colleagues on medical opinions is a normal aspect of medical practice and should be approached with professional discourse and respect, rather than being deemed unprofessional behavior. Thus, option B accurately reflects actions that are explicitly recognized as unprofessional conduct under TMB rules.