Whenever an RN/LVN license holder found guilty for violating the state laws and regulations, they may be subject to a disciplinary case. The Texas Board of Nursing (BON) has the jurisdiction to hear and decide cases involving the practice of professional RN / LVN in Texas. The complaint can be filed before the Texas Board of Nursing (BON). A nurse attorney is the one who helps the nurses properly defend their case to the board.
The story of an LVN who was accused of malpractice is just one of the proof that failure to choose the right nurse attorney could pose your LVN license in danger. During the time of the incident, the LVN was employed in a Houston hospital and she and had been in that position for only eight months.
On or about December 26, 2012, the LVN misappropriated three tablets of Hydrocodone/APAP 5/325mg, and one (I) vial of Meperidine HCL 25mg or failed to take precautions to prevent such misappropriation, in that she admitted to using another nurse’s login information to withdraw the medications for her personal use. Her conduct was likely to defraud the facility and patients of the cost of the medications.
On or about January 27, 2014, while participating in the Texas Peer Assistance Program for Nurses (TPAPN), the LVN engaged in the intemperate use of Tramadol, in that she produced a specimen for a random drug screen which resulted positive for Tramadol. Unlawful possession of Tramadol is prohibited by Chapter 481 (Controlled Substances Act) of the Texas Health & Safety Code. The use of Tramadol by a LVN, while subject to call or duty, could impair the nurse’s ability to recognize subtle signs, symptoms, or changes in a patient’s condition, and could impair the nurse’s ability to make rational, accurate, and appropriate assessments, judgments, and decisions regarding patient care, thereby placing a patient in potential danger.
On or about August 8, 2015 the LVN withdrew two (2) tablets of hydrocodone/APAP 7.5/325mg, three (3) tablets of Hydrocodone/APAP 10/325mg, one (1) tablet of Alprazolam 0.5mg, and one (I) tablet of Alprazolam 0.25mg from the medication dispensing system for patients, but failed to document, and completely and accurately document the administration of the medications in the patient’s Medication Administration Records or nurses’ notes. Her conduct created an inaccurate medical record, and her failure to administer medications as ordered by the physician could have resulted in non-efficacious treatment.
On or about October 2, 2015, the LVN misappropriated sixty (60) tablets of Hydrocodone/APAP 10/325mg belonging to the facility or patients thereof, in that she falsely documented a pharmacy delivery ticket to obtain the medication for her personal use. Her conduct was likely to defraud the facility and patients of the cost of the medications.
The LVN explains that while she disputes the specifics of the allegations, she does admit to diverting medications for personal use. She states she has acknowledged her problem and admitted herself to rehabilitation facilities. She further explains that she is no longer using medications.
Due to the series of events, the Texas Board of Nursing decided to suspend her LVN license.
A nurse attorney could have properly defended her case given that the LVN seek help. If you received a letter from the Texas BON for a misdemeanor offense or any other offense, it is best to consult an experienced Texas nurse attorney who can guide you on the steps you need to take to protect your LVN or RN license.
Contact a nurse attorney today who can provide you with a confidential consultation and evaluate your case and counsel you on the best steps to take. Contact the nursing attorney Yong J. An by calling or texting him 24/7 directly at (832) 428-5679.
