Falsifying documents is considered a criminal offense which is punishable by a fine or even jail time. It is also considered a medical malpractice case. An RN involved in such a case could lose his/her license. Altering or tampering with medical records can be dangerous to the patients. But if an RN is accused of doing such a crime, a nurse attorney is crucially needed.
At the time of the initial incident, the RN was employed as a Registered Nurse at a hospital in Odessa, Texas, and had been in that position for one (1) year and eleven (11) months.
On or about November 16, 2019, through November 17, 2019, the RN was assigned to a patient.
The RN falsified patient care documentation, documenting she provided care to the patient when she was not present at the assisted living facility. The RN’s conduct resulted in an inaccurate medical record and was likely to defraud and deceive the facility of money paid to the RN for hours not actually worked. In addition, the RN’s conduct was likely to injure the patient in that subsequent caregivers would rely on her documentation for further care.
In response, the RN denies the allegation and states that she did visit and assess the patient at 1:30 am on November 17, 2019, as reflected in her note. The RN states that she did not encounter any staff in the building during her visit and was not readily able to locate the medication aide with whom she had been speaking. She states the patient’s room was free of visitors, including the patient’s daughter and primary caregiver. The RN states she exited the facility at approximately 2 am. And she states that she also saw the patient later in the day at 1450, where she did interact with the patient’s daughter, discussed the patient’s comfort goals, and administered an intramuscular Rocephin injection. The RN acknowledges that her visit note for the 1:30 am visit is confusing and contains inaccurate information. She states the note inaccurately states that the patient’s caregiver was present at the visit when she was not and inaccurately identifying the Medication Aide.
As a result of the RN’s misconduct, all information was submitted and was received by the Board which produced evidence that the RN may be subject to discipline in pursuant to Section 301 452(b)(10)&(13), Texas Occupations Code. An RN should always remember that having someone to help is the best decision you could do. You should look for the right nurse attorney with years of experience and is very reliable.
Do you have questions about the Texas Board of Nursing disciplinary process? Contact The Law Office of RN License Attorney Yong J. An for a confidential consultation by calling or texting 24/7 at (832) 428-5679 and ask for attorney Yong.