When a Pressure Injury Becomes a Neglect Allegation

When a Pressure Injury Becomes a Neglect Allegation

Pressure injuries can happen to patients who are immobile, seriously ill, elderly, or otherwise at higher risk. Even when a nurse provides appropriate care, a pressure injury may still develop.

However, a pressure injury may raise questions about the care provided and, in some cases, lead to an allegation of neglect. For Texas nurses, such an allegation may also become a nursing license issue if it results in a complaint or investigation by the Texas Board of Nursing.

How Can a Pressure Injury Lead to a Neglect Allegation?

A pressure injury does not automatically mean that a nurse neglected a patient. If a complaint or investigation occurs, the circumstances surrounding the patient’s care may be reviewed.

The review may consider whether the patient was assessed for pressure-injury risk, changes in the patient’s condition were recognized, and appropriate care was provided. It may also consider whether concerns were reported to the appropriate healthcare provider, the treatment plan was followed, and applicable facility policies and nursing standards were followed.

Documentation may also be reviewed to understand what care was provided and how the patient’s condition changed. Incomplete documentation does not necessarily mean that care was not provided, but accurate records can help establish what occurred. Nurses should document relevant assessments, interventions, changes in condition, notifications, and the patient’s response to care according to applicable requirements and facility policies. These details can help provide a clearer picture of the patient’s care and the circumstances surrounding the injury.

What Nurses Should Know About Existing Pressure Injuries

A nurse may take over care of a patient who already has a pressure injury. In this situation, the nurse did not necessarily cause the injury, but the nurse is responsible for the patient’s care during their shift.

This can become important if the injury later worsens. The nurse’s role is generally to continue appropriate care and communicate any significant concerns or changes according to the patient’s care plan and facility procedures.

When a neglect allegation arises, the timing of the injury and the care provided before and after the nurse took over may be relevant to understanding what happened.

Legal Guidance for Texas Nurses

If you receive a complaint or investigation notice from the Texas Board of Nursing involving a pressure injury or patient-care allegation, seek legal guidance from a nursing license defense attorney to better understand the allegations, the Board’s process, and your options for responding.

At Texas Nurse Lawyers, we can help you evaluate the concerns raised by the Board in light of the specific facts of your case. We provide representation to Texas nurses facing complaints, investigations, proposed disciplinary action, and other nursing-license matters involving the TBON.

Contact us today to discuss your nursing-license matter.