As a nurse adherence to proper medication handling protocols is paramount to ensuring patient safety and regulatory compliance. When nurses encounter allegations related to medication handling and procedural deviations, seeking the guidance of a nurse attorney becomes crucial. Nurse attorneys specialize in comprehending the legal intricacies surrounding such incidents and are equipped to offer essential support to nurses navigating these challenges. Additionally, they educate nurses on their legal rights and responsibilities, guiding them in cooperating with investigations and addressing the issues at hand.
At the time of the incident, she was employed as an RN at a medical facility in Mission, Texas, and had been in that position for three (3) years and two (2) months.
On or about July 7, 2022, while employed as an RN at a medical facility in Mission, Texas, the RN failed to properly return a Belladonna and Opium (B&O) suppository to the Omnicell medication dispensing system after the patient refused it. Instead, the RN placed it in the return bin and stated she didn’t know it was a controlled substance. RN’s conduct left medications unaccounted for and placed the facility in violation of Chapter 481 (Controlled Substances Act) of the Texas Health and Safety Code.
Without consulting first with a nurse attorney, the RN responded to the above incident and admitted she had never heard of a “B&O suppository” and didn’t know what “B&O” stood for. RN admitted after the patient refused it, she placed it in the Return Medication Bin so the patient would not be charged. RN stated she will always remember that belladonna is a controlled substance.
The above action constitutes grounds for disciplinary action in accordance with Section 301.452(b)(10)&(13) Texas Occupations Code, and is a violation of 22 TEX ADMIN. CODE §217.11(1)(A),(1)(B),(1)(D),(1)(P)&(3) and 22 TEX. ADMIN. CODE §217.12 (1)(A),(1)(B),(1)(C),(4),(6)(A),(6)(H),(10)(C)&(11)(B).
However, without seeking advice from an experienced nurse attorney and without enough evidence to prove she was not guilty, the RN lost the case. This is the reason why the Texas Board of Nursing placed her RN license under disciplinary action.
If you ever undergo cases such as this, it’s best to seek the assistance of a good nurse attorney as it could make the case better in your favor. Be sure to find a nurse attorney who is experienced and knowledgeable in several nurse cases to ensure the best assistance possible. Texas Nurse Attorney Yong J. An is willing to assist every nurse in need of immediate help for nurse licensing cases. He is an experienced nurse attorney for various licensing cases for the past 18 years and represented over 600 nurses before the Texas BON.
Contact us today for a free legal consultation or for more inquiries.