The Texas Board of Nursing (BON) has the jurisdiction to hear and decide cases involving the practice of professional nursing in Texas. Any RN or LVN found guilty of violating the state laws and regulations may be subjected to a disciplinary case if not properly defended by a nurse attorney.
The Trouble with Medication Documentation
At the time of the incident, an RN was employed as a Registered Nurse at a hospital in Harlingen, Texas, and had been in that position for two (2) years and six (6) months.
On or about December 26, 201 9, January 9, 2020, and February 7, 2020, the RN signed out four (4) tablets of Hydrocodone-Acetaminophen 7.5m -325mg from the Individual Controlled Drug Record for the patient and four (4) tablets of Hydrocodone-Acetaminophen 5mg-325mg from the Individual Controlled Drug Record for the patient but failed to document and/or completely and accurately document the administration of the medications in the patient’s Medication Administration Records and/or nurses’ notes. The RN’s conduct was likely to injure the patients, in that subsequent caregivers would rely on her documentation to further medicate the residents which could result in an overdose. Additionally, the RN’s conduct placed the facility in violation of Chapter 481 (Controlled Substances Act) of the Texas Health and Safety Code.
On or about December 26, 201 9, January 9, 2020, and February 7, 2020, the RN signed out four (4) tablets of Hydrocodone-Acetaminophen 7.5mg-325mg from the Individual Controlled Drug Record for the patient and four (4) tablets of Hydrocodone-Acetaminophen 5mg-325mg from the Individual Controlled Drug Record for the patient but failed to follow the facility’s policy and procedures for wastage of the unused portions of the medications. The RN’s conduct left medications unaccounted for, was likely to deceive the facility pharmacy and placed the pharmacy in violation of Chapter 481 (Controlled Substances Act) of the Texas Health and Safety Code.
On or about December 26, 2019, January 9, 2020, and February 7, 2020, the RN misappropriated four (4) tablets of Hydrocodone-Acetaminophen 7.5mg•325mg from the patient and four (4) tablets of Hydrocodone-Acetaminophen 5mg-325mg for the patient, or failed to take precautions to prevent such misappropriation. Further, when confronted, the RN told the Director of Nursing that she administered the Hydrocodone-Acetaminophen tablets to two (2) other patients, who had run out of their Hydrocodone-Acetaminophen; however, the individual Controlled Drug Records, the Medication Administration Records, and Nurses’ Notes pertaining to the two patients did not show any Hydrocodone-Acetaminophen being administered to them during the period in question. The RN’s conduct was likely to defraud the facility and the patients of the cost of the medications.
Facing the Consequences
In response to these findings, the RN acknowledged her errors and explained that her intent was to address her patients’ pain needs under difficult circumstances. However, she failed to effectively present and defend her case in court.
As a result, the RN was disciplined, facing penalties ranging from a warning to the suspension of her license for violating Texas Board of Nursing regulations.
Contact Us Today To Get Assistance From A Skilled Texas Nurse Attorney!
For clarifications and additional information about the Texas BON disciplinary procedures, reach out to the law office of Attorney Yong J. An. by contacting (832) 428-5679.
Nurse Atty. Yong J. An is one of the best and most competent nurse lawyers in town. His expertise and deep knowledge of Texas BON is what you need. Hurry, call now for inquiries.