LVNs play a vital role in patient care, ensuring that healthcare systems run smoothly. But what happens when accusations like falsifying visit notes or timesheets threaten to derail their careers? The stakes are high—patient trust, safety, and the nurse’s professional reputation hang in the balance. In these moments, having a nursing license attorney on your side is more than just a safeguard; it’s a lifeline. Their legal knowledge regarding nursing disciplinary proceedings can be the key to navigating these challenging situations.
LVN’s Misconduct of Falsifying Nursing Visit Notes and Timesheet
On or about June 2021, while employed as an LVN with a home healthcare service provider in Pasadena, Texas, and while assigned to provide skilled nursing care to a patient, LVN inappropriately documented a nursing visit note, including vital signs, in that the patient’s family reported the patient was at a medical appointment during this time. Additionally, LVN inappropriately signed the patient’s signature on her nursing visit note by writing an ‘X’. Further, LVN submitted an incorrect timesheet for hours she did not work. LVN’s conduct resulted in an inaccurate medical record and was likely to defraud and deceive the facility of money paid to the LVN for hours not actually worked. In addition, LVN’s conduct could have possibly injured the patient in that subsequent care givers would rely on her documentation for further care.
LVN’s Side of the Story
Without consulting a nursing license attorney, LVN responded to the allegations above and stated she arrived at the patient’s home and thought she saw the patient outside the home working on the back porch. She spoke to the patient’s wife and after a few minutes, realized the patient was not at home. LVN added that the patient’s wife informed her the patient was at a doctor’s appointment. LVN stated she had been reviewing the patient’s medical chart for twenty-five (25) minutes and then closed the visit notes. She had been trained to code the visit as a telephone visit and she thought she changed the billing code, but she mistakenly forgot to change the code.
The Texas Board of Nursing recognized the LVN’s actions as sufficient grounds for disciplinary action under the Texas Occupations Code, resulting in disciplinary measures against her nursing license.
This case highlights the essential role of a nurse attorney in defending against such allegations. Experts warn that neglecting to seek legal counsel can significantly jeopardize a nurse’s ability to protect their license and career.
The Need for Expert Advice and Counsel
The situation faced by the LVN serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with inadequate legal defense. RNs and LVNs are strongly encouraged to seek legal counsel to safeguard their licenses and careers from potential disciplinary actions.
Texas Nurse Attorney Yong J. An, a highly experienced nursing license attorney, has over 18 years of expertise representing over 600 RNs and LVNs in disciplinary proceedings. For a confidential consultation or more information on nursing license defenses, contact Attorney Yong J. An at (832)-428-5679.
Protect your career and defend your rights with the support of an experienced legal counsel.