Controlled Substances are illegal drugs. These are also used as prescription drugs which are regulated by the law. If an RN is accused in whatever use of the Controlled Substances, a criminal case will be filed against you. So, it is best to seek help from a nurse attorney, before the worst can happen to your license and career.
There are series of incidents that happened involves an RN. The RN was employed as a Registered Nurse (RN) at a hospital in Killeen, Texas, and had been in that position for one (1) year and two (2) months.
On or about September 21, 2018, September 22, 2018, and September 27, 2018, an RN falsely documented that she administered Hydrocodone to two patients in that there is not an associated pull from the medication dispensing system for the date and time of the documented administrations.
The RN’s conduct was deceptive, created inaccurate medical records, and placed the hospital in violation of Chapter 481 (Controlled Substances Act) of the Texas Health and Safety Code.
On or about September 22, 2018, through October 4, 2018, the RN removed one (1) Hydrocodone 7.5-325mg tablet and ten (10) Hydrocodone 10-325mg tablets from the medication dispensing system to four patients but failed to document and/or completely and accurately document the administration of the Hydrocodone in the patients’ medication administration records (MARs) and/or nurse’s notes. The RN’s conduct was likely to injure the patients in that subsequent caregivers would rely on her documentation to further medicate the patients, which could result in an overdose. Additionally, the RN’s conduct placed the hospital in violation of Chapter 481 (Controlled Substances Act) of the Texas Health and Safety Code.
On or about September 22, 2018, through October 4, 2018, the RN removed one (1) Hydrocodone 7.5-325mg tablet and fourteen (14) Hydrocodone 10-325mg tablets from the medication dispensing system to the four patients but failed to follow the facility’s policy and procedure for wastage of the unused portions of the medications. The RN’s conduct left medications unaccounted for, was likely to deceive the hospital pharmacy, and placed the pharmacy in violation of Chapter 481 (Controlled Substances Act) of the Texas Health and Safety Code.
And lastly, still, on the same dates, the RN misappropriated, and/or failed to take precautions to prevent the misappropriation of, Hydrocodone from the facility and patients thereof. The RN’s conduct was likely to defraud the facility and patients of the cost of the medications.
In response to those incidents above, The RN admits that she became sloppy with her charting and with her medication pulls/returns. She also states she was overworked and made a habit of proactively withdrawing medication and then locking it in a password-protected drawer of her personal rolling computer. She added that she was often pressured to clock out immediately after giving a report which cut down on the amount of time to finish charting. She also states she would never risk her career to divert or use drugs.
The information received by the Board produced evidence that the RN may be subject to discipline pursuant to Section 301.452(b)(10)&(13), Texas Occupations Code. The evidence receive was sufficient enough that the Board has put the RN into disciplinary action.
If only the RN had hired a nurse attorney for the defense. It would result in a different outcome. For such cases, it is better or even best to hire a nurse attorney.
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.