Did you know that there are many petitions entertained by the Texas Board of Nursing (BON) every single day? The Board is the government agency that has the jurisdiction to hear and decide administrative cases involving licensing of LVN or RN nurses. Aside from this, all nursing graduates who want to obtain professional nursing licenses also fall within the jurisdiction of the Board. As a matter of fact, they need to file application forms before they can be allowed to take the board exam. Failure to do this can result in losing their privilege to complete the LVN or RN nurse licensure exam.
As early as now, it is important to point out the fact that no one can practice professional nursing without a license. Doing so can make the person criminally liable. This is the reason why all applications for the board exam must be taken seriously. The common misconception about this is that only those who have no criminal records can have the chance to become LVN or RN nurses. Well, this is absolutely incorrect because any nursing graduate can file for an application, provided that he meets all other important requirements set by the Texas Board of Nursing (BON).
A good example of this is the case of Amelia. On or about February 2, 2016, the RN nurse was accused of lacking fitness to practice professional nursing in that she appeared very distracted while on duty. It was alleged that she had a hard time concentrating. Further, the RN nurse admitted to taking Valium during that day. The RN nurse’s conduct could have affected her ability to recognized subtle signs, symptoms or changes in patients conditions, and could have affected her ability to make rational, accurate, and appropriate assessments, judgments, and decision regarding patient care.
The complainant stated that Amelia committed a gross violation of this law:
Sec. 301.452. Grounds for Disciplinary Action.
(a)In this section, intemperate use includes practicing nursing or being on duty or on call while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
(b) A person is subject to denial of a license or to disciplinary action under this subchapter for:
(1) a violation of this chapter, a rule or regulation not inconsistent with this chapter, or an order issued under this chapter;
(2) fraud or deceit in procuring or attempting to procure a license to practice professional nursing or vocational nursing;
(3) a conviction for, or placement on deferred adjudication community supervision or deferred disposition for, a felony or for a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude;
(4) conduct that results in the revocation of probation imposed because of conviction for a felony or for a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude;
(5) use of a nursing license, diploma, or permit, or the transcript of such a document, that has been fraudulently purchased, issued, counterfeited, or materially altered;
(6) impersonating or acting as a proxy for another person in the licensing examination required under Section 301.253 or 301.255;
(7) directly or indirectly aiding or abetting an unlicensed person in connection with the unauthorized practice of nursing;
(8) revocation, suspension, or denial of, or any other action relating to, the person’s license or privilege to practice nursing in another jurisdiction or under federal law;
(9) intemperate use of alcohol or drugs that the board determines endangers or could endanger a patient;
(10) unprofessional conduct in the practice of nursing that is likely to deceive, defraud, or injure a patient or the public;
(11) adjudication of mental incompetency;
(12) lack of fitness to practice because of a mental or physical health condition that could result in injury to a patient or the public; or
(13) failure to care adequately for a patient or to conform to the minimum standards of acceptable nursing practice in a manner that, in the board’s opinion, exposes a patient or other person unnecessarily to risk of harm.
The evidence submitted to the Texas Board of Nursing (BON) showed that she was liable for the acts committed. She violated an important law in Texas that every nurse is expected to abide. Because of this, the Board issued an order suspending her nursing license. According to the decision, the RN nurse is precluded from rendering any work or healthcare duty while her license is still suspended.
Equip yourself with the knowledge and expertise you need for a successful outcome by consulting a knowledgeable and experienced Texas nurse attorney. Contact the Law Office of Yong J. An and text or call attorney Yong 24/7 at (832) 428-4579.