Medical professionals, including LVNs, hold a profound responsibility to provide safe and appropriate care to their patients. However, instances of alleged malpractice, such as improper prescription practices and inadequate documentation, can arise, leading to potential harm to patients and legal challenges for the healthcare provider involved. As these allegations raise serious concerns regarding patient safety and medical record accuracy, a nurse attorney can offer vital legal expertise to assist the LVN in navigating the intricacies of the legal system and safeguarding their professional reputation.
At the time of the incident, LVN was employed as an Acute Care Adult Nurse Practitioner at a medical facility in McKinney, Texas, and had been in that position for six (6) months.
On or about March 21, 2021, through October 8, 2021, while employed as an Acute Care Adult Nurse Practitioner at a medical facility in McKinney, Texas, LVN prescribed Armor Thyroid to a patient, who had normal thyroid levels, and documented a diagnosis of sick-euthyroid syndrome. Additionally, LVN failed to document discontinuation of the two thyroid medications that had been previously prescribed by a different practice/provider. LVN’s conduct resulted in an incomplete and inaccurate medical record and exposed the patient to a potential risk of harm from adverse effects of unnecessary hormone dosing. The patient did not report any adverse effects.
In response, LVN states that the patient’s previous thyroid medications were discontinued and replaced with Armor Thyroid 120mg. LVN states that the patient was explicitly told that she did not have hypogonadism or hypothyroidism, but the thyroid hormone could be used in an off-label manner in an effort to relieve symptoms of thyroid hormone deficiency. LVN states that the patient was monitored with extensive laboratory tests and frequent visits at which time the patient was questioned specifically about any potential hypermetabolic symptoms in response to the thyroid treatment. LVN adds that the patient signed all consent forms and was educated on all treatments received, was happy with her care, and did not report any concerns.
The above actions constitute 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)(M)&(4)(B) and 22 TEX. ADMIN. CODE §217.12 (1)(A),(1)(B)&(4).
A case was ultimately filed against her before the Texas Board of Nursing (BON). The said allegation was fatal to the LVN’s capability to perform the essential functions and duties. Sad to say, the nursing defense attorney who handled her case was not able to properly defend her interests and rights before the Board. The Texas Board of Nursing (BON) found her guilty of the offense alleged in the complaint and decided to place her LVN license under disciplinary action.
If you also received a letter from the Texas Board of Nursing regarding a case or complaint filed against you, you should hire a nurse attorney immediately before it’s too late. Texas Nurse Attorney Yong J. An is one of those dedicated nurse attorneys who helped represent more than 300 nurse cases for the past 16 years. You may contact him 24/7 at (832) 428-5679 for more information or if you want to schedule a private consultation.