Falsifying documents is considered a criminal offense which is punishable by a fine or even jail time. It is also considered a medical malpractice case. An RN involved in such a case could lose his/her license. Altering or tampering with medical records can be dangerous to the patients. However, if an RN is accused of doing such a crime, a nurse attorney is crucially needed.
At the time of the initial incident, she was employed as an RN with a home healthcare services provider in The Woodlands, Texas, and had been in that position for eight (8) months.
On or about January 10, 2020, January 14, 2020, January 16, 2020, and January 17, 2020, while employed as an RN at a hospital in The Woodlands, Texas, and assigned to provide nursing care to a patient, RN falsified documentation in that she charted care and assessments during hours she was not actually in the patient’s home. RN’s conduct resulted in an inaccurate medical record and was likely to defraud and deceive the facility of money paid to RN for hours not actually worked. In addition, RN’s conduct was likely to injure the patient in that subsequent care givers would rely on her documentation for further care.
In response, RN states on January 10, 2020, January 14, 2020, and January 16, 2020, she was running late. She does not remember if it was on all the above 3 dates. RN states she communicated with the mother of the patient, who agreed to monitor the patient until she arrived at the patient’s residence. RN states upon her arrival, the mother gave her information regarding the patient and she charted her notes. RN states she consistently on the dates called the mother of the patient over the phone to check on the patient and mother’s response was often positive. RN admits to the above but states she did not falsify the notes.
The above action constitutes 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)(A),(6)(H)&(10)(B).
The Texas Board of Nursing then subjected the RN’s license to disciplinary action. The accusation would have been defended by an experienced and skilled nurse attorney, had the RN hired one. Hiring a nurse attorney for defense is applicable for any kind of accusation laid against an RN or LVN.
Always remember that anyone can file a complaint against an RN/LVN 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 nurse attorney is someone who can help you defend your license when the state board summons you. Equip yourself with the knowledge and expertise you need for a successful outcome by consulting a knowledgeable and experienced Texas RN license attorney. Texas Nurse Attorney Yong J. An is an experienced nurse attorney for various licensing cases for the past 16 years and represented over 300 nurses before the Texas BON. Contact the Law Office of Yong J. An 24/7 through text or call at (832) 428-5679.