Nurses’ written accounts or documentation is critical for the planning and evaluation of medical interventions and patient care. Providing false documentation could lead to incorrect treatment decisions compromising patient safety. Such negligence can result in legal action against a Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) and jeopardize their professional license. It is essential to seek defense from an experienced nurse attorney in these situations.
Accusations of Falsified Nursing Notes
At the time of the initial incident, she was employed as an RN with a pediatric home health service provider in Frisco, Texas, and had been in that position for one (1) year and five (5) months.
On or about December 16, 2020, through January 5, 2021, while employed as an RN with a pediatric home health service provider in Frisco, Texas, and assigned to provide skilled nursing care for a patient, the RN falsely documented her nursing visit notes, in that she falsified assessments and vital signs, start times on her nursing visit notes, and time sheets for hours she did not work. Additionally, the patient’s family reported she was frequently sixty (60) to ninety (90) minutes late. RN’s conduct was deceptive, created an inaccurate medical record, and was likely to injure the patient in that subsequent caregivers would not have accurate information to base their future care decisions.
RN’s Response to Allegations
The RN admitted to arriving late at the patient’s residence but denied falsifying assessments or vital signs. RN stated the exact minute to the time was the only discrepancy that she admitted doing wrong in her charting. RN stated the discrepancy was not done with any malicious intent, rather, it was a complacent human error.
The Consequences Faced
The RN’s actions constituted grounds for disciplinary action according to Section 301.452(b)(10) and (13) of the Texas Occupations Code. They also violated several sections of the Texas Administrative Code, specifically 22 TEX. ADMIN. CODE §217.11(1)(A), (1)(B), and (1)(D), and 22 TEX. ADMIN. CODE §217.12(1)(A), (1)(B), (1)(C), (4), (6)(A), and (6)(H).
Due to the strong evidence against her and the inability to properly defend her case in court, the RN’s nursing license was subject to disciplinary action.
Seek Valuable Advice From A Texas Nurse Attorney!
To avoid similar situations, secure assistance from a competent nurse defense attorney if a complaint is filed against you before the Texas Board of Nursing (BON). For confidential consultations or more information on defending against nursing license complaints, contact an experienced Texas nurse attorney.
Texas Nurse Attorney Yong J. An has 16 years of experience and has successfully represented over 300 RN and LVN cases. Get the expert legal support you need by calling (832)-428-5679 today to start your defense or to learn more about how he can help protect your nursing license.