The Texas Board of Nursing (BON) is the government agency that has jurisdiction to hear and decide administrative cases involving RN and LVN in Texas. It is also the agency that is responsible for overseeing the practice of professional nursing all over the state of Texas. Any RN or LVN who is guilty of violating state laws and issuances from the Texas Board of Nursing (BON) may be subjected to penalties or fines if not properly defended by a nurse attorney. As a matter of fact, the RN license and LVN license can even be suspended or revoked.
A perfect example of this incident happened to an LVN in Brownsville. At the time of the initial incident, the LVN as employed as a Licensed Vocational Nurse in a medical facility in Brownsville and had been in that position for five months.
On or about October 4, 2018, through October 26, 2018, the LVN falsely documented the administration of Tramadol, twice daily, in the Medication Administration Record of a patient.
In contrast, the Individual Control Drug Record Count of the patient does not indicate that Tramadol was removed from the inventory. Her conduct created an inaccurate medical record and was likely to harm the patient in that subsequent caregivers would rely on her documentation to provide further patient care.
On the same date, the LVN failed to administer Tramadol 50mg to a patient, twice daily, as ordered by the physician. Her conduct placed the patient at risk for ineffective pain management.
On or about October 18, 2018, the LVN failed to document a telephone order from the physician’s office to start Pepcid 20mg BID for one month, for a patient, if the Pepto-Bismol previously ordered and administered, was ineffective. Her conduct created an incomplete medical record and exposed the patient unnecessarily to a delay in treatment.
On or about October 23, 2018, through October 28, 2018, the LVN failed to administer Tramadol 50mg to a patient, twice daily, as ordered by the physician. Her conduct placed the patient at risk for ineffective pain management
Subsequently, the LVN falsely documented the administration of Tramadol, twice daily, in the Medication Administration Record of a patient. In contrast, the Individual Control Drug Record Count of the patient does not indicate that Tramadol was removed from the inventory. Her conduct created an inaccurate medical record and was likely to harm the patient in that subsequent caregivers would rely on her documentation to provide further patient care.
In response to the incident, the LVN states there were system issues when a new EMAR and Pharmacy System were implemented, but all her patients’ medications were withdrawn, administered, and documented/signed as given. In addition, the patients did not show signs of pain every shift because current pain management was therapeutic.
In response to the other incident, the LVN states she notified the physician of the patient’s stomach ache and was instructed to administer the Pepto-Bismol that was already ordered as needed and to call back if it was not effective. The Pepto was effective so there was no need to follow up with the physician.
However, due to a lack of evidence and an expert nurse attorney to defend her, the LVN was suspended and disciplined.
This is just one of the many causes why every nurse in Texas is expected to act with prudence in practicing the profession. Gross negligence, disobedience, or any form of offense on the part of an RN or LVN is never excused.
Any type of accusation can be defended, as long as there is a skilled nurse attorney ready to assist you during the hearing before the Board of Nursing. The Texas Board of Nursing has full jurisdiction regarding cases that may affect an RN or LVN’s license from suspension, disciplinary action, or revocation.
The LVN lost the case simply because she failed to find an effective and efficient nurse attorney. Avoid committing the same mistake she did. Find the right nurse attorney in Texas to help you with your needs. Contact nurse attorney Yong J. An directly by calling or texting him at (832) 428-5679 for a discreet consultation.