When an RN’s honesty and integrity are being questioned, it’s more than just a bump in the road – it shakes the very foundation of trust in healthcare. Think about it in a field where patients rely on nurses for care and comfort, any doubt about their integrity can cause ripples of uncertainty. Let’s explore this situation together, as it’s clear that the role of a nurse attorney is super important. A nurse attorney acts as a legal advocate for nurses, making sure their rights are protected and that they follow all the legal and ethical principles.
On or about July 2021 through August 2021, while employed as an RN at a hospital in Longview, Texas, the RN failed to make post-discharge home visits or callbacks for fourteen (14) patients and submitted requests for mileage reimbursement and pay for hours she did not work. The RN’s conduct may have deprived patients of postpartum care and was deceptive in that she collected payment for the time she did not work.
Without consulting with an experienced nurse attorney, the RN responded and stated that there were no guidelines to run the home visit program since it was a new service. The RN stated the number of deliveries dictated how much she worked, and the program was set up to make the home visit between 3-10 days and up to 14 days or more depending on certain factors. According to the RN, she worked with each family to make it adjust to their needs, and not everyone wanted a visit, or some would call back later asking her to come out. RN added that some patients declined the visit, some were out of the area, and some she could not make contact with for various reasons. She also added that it was common for up to 10 patients a month not to get a visit as it is optional and not mandatory. The RN claimed a daily type of log of activities or call log was never required or requested concerning work performed. RN stated that since the home visit was not mandatory, she feels she did her best to contact, offer, and make a home visit and make follow-up calls to patients who delivered with them.
In accordance with Section 301.452(b)(10)&(13) Texas Occupations Code the above action constitutes disciplinary action and is a violation of 22 TEX ADMIN. CODE §217.11 (1)(A)&(1)(B) and 22 TEX. ADMIN. CODE §217.12 (1)(B),(6)(A) &(6)(H).
The Texas Board of Nursing found her guilty of her actions. Her RN license was subjected to disciplinary action. She did not hire a skilled Texas nurse attorney to fully defend her case which led to this decision by the Texas Board of Nursing.
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Contact a Texas nurse attorney today who can provide you with a confidential consultation to evaluate your case and counsel you on the best steps to take. Texas Nurse Attorney Yong J. An is an experienced nurse attorney for various licensing cases for over 18 years.