RN Inappropriately Used Physician’s Electronic Records Login

In the healthcare profession, patient records and the integrity of medical documentation are of paramount importance. Accurate and transparent records not only serve as the basis for patient care decisions but also uphold the ethical and legal standards that govern the medical profession. When healthcare professionals, like the RN described in this case, are alleged to have inappropriately accessed and manipulated electronic medical records, serious concerns arise regarding the accuracy of patient documentation and the potential for deception within the healthcare system. In situations like this, the role of a nurse attorney becomes crucial in addressing the legal and ethical ramifications. The nursing defense attorney can work diligently to protect the legal rights of the RN throughout any investigations, legal inquiries, or regulatory actions that may follow the incident.

At the time of the initial incident, she was employed as an RN at a hospital in Fort Worth, Texas, and had been in that position for two (2) years and ten (10) months.

On or about July 10, 2021, through July 18, 2021, while employed as an RN at a hospital in Fort Worth, Texas, the RN inappropriately used a physician’s electronic medical record identification login to document treatment plans, approve chemotherapy treatments, e-prescribe medication, and sign and submit prescriptions to the pharmacy for seventeen (17) patients, at the direction of the physician during dates and times when the physician was out of the office. RN’s conduct resulted in inaccurate medical records and was deceptive to providers, the facility, and other staff members who utilize the medical record to make treatment decisions.

In response to the above allegations, the RN stated that she recognizes her mistake in not fully complying with the hospital’s policy regarding the use of Electronic Health Record (EHR) logins. The RN stated that for nearly four (4) years she worked with the above-mentioned physician side-by-side, and when the physician was out of office the physician remained in very close contact with nursing staff by communicating with nurses several times a day through telephone, email, and text message. RN stated that between July 10th and 14th, 2021, and July 18, 2021, while the physician was out of town, RN’s work regarding patients was completely at the physician’s direction. The RN added that her completion of treatment care plans was strictly clerical with no medical judgment. Regarding prescribing medication, the hospital uses an e-prescribing application that she and the physician worked collaboratively on to prepare prescriptions. The physician decided what medications and dosages to prescribe, and the RN completed the task by inputting information into the system. Regarding the falsification of treatment plans and medication orders, the RN stated that all documentation at issue was made with the knowledge of and at the direction of the physician. RN stated that she did use the EHR   login of the physician to accomplish the tasks assigned to her by the physician in some instances.

The Texas Board of Nursing conducted a thorough investigation and questioned the nurse involved. Sadly, without valid evidence to defend her side of the story, the RN lost the case. Furthermore, the RN failed to hire a Texas nurse attorney to help her with her case. Because of this, the Texas Board of Nursing disciplined the RN’s license.

Consult with a Nurse License Defense Attorney Today!

If you are facing allegations of misconduct from the board. Texas Nurse Attorney Yong J. An is willing to assist every healthcare professional in need of help with their license cases. With extensive experience representing nurses across Texas in preparing for their Texas BON cases, Attorney Yong J. An possesses the expertise to provide tailored guidance for your situation. Having successfully handled numerous cases, his insights and acumen make him the ideal nurse defense attorney for your specific case.