If a licensee has engaged in unprofessional conduct, what can another licensee report to the board without worry of what?

The correct answer is that a licensee can report unprofessional conduct to the board without worry of identity being disclosed. In many jurisdictions, including Arizona, laws and regulations encourage reporting professional misconduct by providing anonymity to the reporter in order to protect them from repercussions. This confidentiality helps foster an environment where optometrists are more likely to report unethical practices, ultimately aiming to maintain the integrity of the profession and safeguard patient care.

The other factors, such as potential criminal charges, the necessity of a witness statement, and the risk of civil liability, do not necessarily offer the same legal protections to the reporter. For example, while there might be situations involving criminal conduct, the primary focus of whistleblower protections typically pertains to protecting the identity of the person reporting unprofessional conduct rather than mitigating criminal liability.