Following a facility’s policy and procedures is very important as well as doing proper documentation. If not done properly and accurately, it can put a patient in harm. Therefore, every RN should practice keeping accurate and complete medical records for documentation purposes. Inaccurate documentation can lead and can cause negative outcomes. If you are in such a situation, it is best to consult a nurse attorney to know the proper measures to take in facing cases.
At the time of the initial incident, she was employed as an RN at a hospice care provider in Austin, Texas, and had been in that position for less than one (1) month.
On or about November 27, 2019, through August 6, 2020, while employed as an RN at a hospice care provider in Austin, Texas, RN submitted 17 incomplete nursing visit notes for fourteen (14) different patients to her employer. RN’s conduct created an incomplete medical record and was likely to injure the patients in that subsequent care givers would not have complete information to base their future care decisions.
On or about July 2, 2020, through July 22, 2020, while employed as an RN at a hospice care provider in Austin, Texas, RN failed to complete and submit three (3) nursing visit notes for Patients A and B. RN’s conduct created an incomplete medical record and was likely to injure the patients in that subsequent caregivers would not have complete information to base their future care decisions.
In response to the above incidents, RN admits she fell behind on her charting due to fatigue from personal health issues and being overloaded with work when other nurses quit. RN states the job was taking a toll on her health and states she was not allowed to take extra time to finish her charting until February 2021, when she was already significantly behind. RN states some notes were removed from her tablet by management and she was not able to complete these notes.
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)&(1)(E) and 22 TEX. ADMIN. CODE §217.12(1)(A),(1)(B),(1)(C)&(4).
However, without valid evidence to defend her side of the story, the RN lost the case. Furthermore, the RN failed to hire a Texas BON attorney to help her with her case. Because of this, the Texas Board of Nursing disciplined the RN’s license.
Do not be stressed or anxious if you find yourself in a similar situation as that of the RN mentioned above. All you need to do is to find the right RN/LVN license attorney who can help you in the case. Equip yourself with the knowledge and expertise you need for a successful outcome by consulting a knowledgeable and experienced Texas RN/LVN 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.