Meticulous and accurate documentation of medication administration is of utmost importance in nursing care. It’s not only a legal requirement but also a critical aspect of patient safety. Nurses play a vital role in this process, ensuring that the right medication is given to the right patient in the right dose and at the right time. Any deviation from these standards can have serious consequences, not only for the patient but also for the healthcare institution and the nurse involved. When confronted with such allegations, a nurse attorney can play a crucial role. A nurse attorney will safeguard the RN’s legal rights throughout any investigation or proceedings, including protecting against unwarranted disciplinary actions.
At the time of the incident, she was employed as an RN at a health care facility in Lubbock, Texas, and had been in that position for two (2) years and four (4) months.
On or about February 20, 2021, while employed as an RN at a health care facility in Lubbock, Texas, RN was accused of the following:
- RN withdrew Hydromorphone 1mg from the medication dispensing system for a patient but failed to document and/or accurately and completely document the administration of the medication in the patient’s Medication Administration Record (MAR) and/or Nurses’ Notes. RN’s conduct was likely to injure the patient, in that subsequent care givers would rely on her documentation to further medicate the patient, which could result in an overdose. Additionally, RN’s conduct placed the hospital in violation of Chapter 481 (Controlled Substances Act) of the Texas Health and Safety Code.
- RN withdrew Hydromorphone 1mg from the medication dispensing system for a patient but failed to follow the facility’s policy and procedure for wastage of the unused portions of the medication. RN’s conduct left medications unaccounted for; was likely to deceive the hospital pharmacy and placed the pharmacy in violation of Chapter 481 (Controlled Substances Act) of the Texas Health and Safety Code.
- RN misappropriated Hydromorphone 1mg belonging to the facility and patients thereof or failed to take precautions to prevent such misappropriation. RN’s conduct was likely to defraud the facility and patients thereof of the cost of the medications.
In response to the above incidents, RN denies the allegations.
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)(D) and 22 TEX. ADMIN. CODE §217.12 (1)(A), (1)(B),(1)(C),(4),(6)(G),(8),(10)(C),(10)(E)&(11)(B).
The evidence against the RN was strong. At the same time, she was not able to properly defend her case in court. As a result, her nursing license was placed under disciplinary action.
Avoid the similar thing from happening on your end. Make sure to find the right defense attorney in case a complaint will be filed against you before the Texas Board of Nursing (BON). For more details or for a confidential consultation regarding accusations, it’s best to contact an experienced Texas nurse attorney. Texas Nurse Attorney Yong J. An is an experienced nurse attorney who represented more than 500 nurse cases for RNs and LVNs for the past 17 years. You can call him at (832) 428-5679 to get started or to inquire for more information regarding nursing license case defenses.