LVN was Accused of Documenting Full Shifts Despite Absences

LVN was Accused of Documenting Full Shifts Despite Absences

It is vital to keep patient care records accurate and up-to-date. But let's face it, sometimes things can get complicated and you might need help when you face allegations from the board. That's where a nurse attorney comes in! They're like a superhero for healthcare professionals who need legal advice about their work. They know all about healthcare laws and regulations, especially when it comes to keeping records. If your documentation is ever questioned, a nurse defense attorney can give you advice on what to do, help you through any investigations, and make sure you're treated fairly.

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sm by smartsites March 14, 2024

At the time of the initial incident, she was employed as an LVN with a pediatric home health care services provider in Grand Prairie, Texas, and had been in that position for one (1) year and ten (10) months.

On or about February 4, 2022, February 18, 2022, February 25, 2022, and March 4, 2022, while employed as an LVN with a pediatric home health care services provider in Grand Prairie, Texas, and caring for a patient, LVN falsely documented full 7a-7p shifts when she would leave to take tests and then return to finish her shift. LVN's conduct was deceptive and created an inaccurate medical record.

Without consulting with an experienced nurse attorney, The LVN responded to the above incident and explained that she left the patient's home to take school exams with permission from the patient's mother. When she left, LVN stated the patient was under the mother's supervision. Additionally, the LVN stated she explained to the patient’s mother her upcoming nursing school schedule before committing to working and she did not want her to be removed from the patient's case and convinced her to commit to working that schedule and for her to leave to take school exams and then return to their home. LVN stated at the time she thought she was handling the situation correctly and in no way did she intend to hide or misrepresent what she was doing. LVN explained she understood she made a mistake by not letting her supervisor know. She also stated she has reimbursed the agency for the hours that she wasn't on shift.

In accordance with Section 301.452(b)(10)&(14) Texas Occupations Code the above action constitutes grounds for disciplinary action, and is a violation of 22 TEX ADMIN. CODE §217.11(1)(A)&(1)(D) and 22 TEX. ADMIN. CODE §217.12 (1)(A),(1)(B), (1)(C),(6)(A),(6)(H)&(10)(B).

It’s too bad that she failed to hire a nurse attorney for assistance, knowing that she had every reason to defend herself in the first place. As a result, the Texas Board of Nursing decided to place her RN license under disciplinary action. Her defense would have gotten better if she sought legal consultation from a Texas nurse attorney.

So, if you’re facing a complaint from the Texas BON, it’s best to seek legal advice first. Texas Nurse Defense Attorney Yong J. An is willing to assist every nurse in need of immediate help for nurse license cases. He has represented hundreds of nurses before the Texas BON since 2006. Contact him at (832)-428-5679 for a free consultation or more inquiries.

Get the help you deserve. Contact us now!