The practice of nursing is governed by a strict code of ethics, and adherence to medical orders is a fundamental principle that ensures patient safety and the delivery of appropriate care. Nurses are entrusted with the responsibility of administering medications precisely as prescribed by physicians, and any deviation from these orders can have grave consequences for both the patient and the healthcare institution. In cases where deviations from medication orders and potential legal violations are at play, a nurse attorney’s expertise is essential. If the situation escalates to legal proceedings or investigations, the nurse attorney will act as a staunch advocate for the RN, ensuring that their rights are protected throughout the process.
At the time of the initial incident, she was employed as an RN at a hospital in Killeen, Texas, and had been in that position for eleven (11) months.
On or about June 12, 2021, through June 13, 2021, while employed as an RN at a hospital in Killeen, Texas, and enrolled in the Texas Peer Assistance Program for Nurses, RN withdrew two (2) injections of Hydromorphone 1mg from the medication dispensing system for a patient in excess frequency of the physician’s order. RN’s conduct was likely to injure the patient in that the administration of medication in excess frequency of the physician’s orders could result in the patient suffering from adverse reactions. Additionally, RN’s conduct placed the hospital in violation of Chapter 481 (Controlled Substances Act) of the Texas Health and Safety Code.
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)(C),(1)(N),(1)(T)&(3) and 22 TEX. ADMIN. CODE §217.12 (1)(A),(1)(B),(1)(E),(4),(5),(6)(A),(6)(H),(6)(I)&(11)(B).
As a result, the Texas Board of Nursing decided to place her RN license under disciplinary action. It’s too bad that she failed to hire a nurse attorney for assistance, knowing that she had every reason to defend herself in the first place. Her defense would have gotten better if she sought legal consultation from a Texas nurse attorney as well.
So, if you’re facing a complaint from the Board, it’s best to seek legal advice first. 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 17 years and represented over 500 nurses before the Texas BON. To contact him, please dial (832)-428-5679 for a confidential consultation or for more inquiries.