Anyone can file a complaint against an RN with the state board for any reason. When this happens, all complaints need to be taken seriously no matter how trivial or unfounded they may appear. A Houston nurse attorney is someone who can help you defend your license when the state board summoned you. This incident that an RN committed in 2017, was one of those examples.
On or about August 1, 2018, the RN from Houston submitted a Timely License Renewal Form to the Texas Board of Nursing and answered “yes” to the following question: Have you, within the past 24 months or since your last renewal, for any criminal offense, including those pending appeal:
- been arrested or any pending criminal charges?
- been convicted of a misdemeanor?
- been convicted of a felony?
- pled nolo contendere, no contest, or guilty?
- pled nolo contendere, no contest, or guilty?
- received deferred adjudication?
- been placed on community supervision or court-ordered probation, whether or not adjudicated guilty?
- been sentenced to serve jail or prison time?
- court-ordered confinement?
- been granted pre-trial diversion? I.
- been cited or charged with any violation of the law?
- been subject to a court-martial; Article 15 violation, or received any form of military judgment/punishment/action?”.
The RN disclosed that on August 24, 2017, she entered a plea of Guilty to ASSAULT PUBLIC SERVANT, a 3rd Degree Felony offense committed on January 24, 2017.
The Texas Board of Nursing has full jurisdiction over all cases regarding errors committed by an RN or LVN. During the hearing, the RN stated she accepted the plea agreement based on the advice of counsel and given the lack of resources to continue funding her defense. She was asked by her brother to pick up her niece from the niece’s mother, who did not have any rights to the child. The mother of the child refused to hand over the child to the RN. The RN moved the mother of the child out of the way to protect the child and the local Police were called, which led to the charges.
The work that nurses do is often unappreciated. And sometimes, a bit of negligence or simple misconduct because of word pressure could lead to a more serious scenario such as filing a suit against them. If this happens to an RN, they should know how to protect and defend themselves. If not properly defended by a nurse attorney, their license could even be suspended or revoked.
If you are summoned to appear before a licensing board regarding a disciplinary incident, you will need an experienced Houston nurse attorney who knows how to handle nurse cases. Attorney Yong J. An is a Texas nurse license defense lawyer that has a proven track record. He has over 16 years of experience handling Texas BON disciplinary action cases and has helped protect the license of numerous nurses in Texas. For a confidential consultation, call or text him at (832) 428-5679.