The use of drugs is a serious case, which is why a nurse attorney is needed if you get accused of this kind of scenario. However, there are some nurses who thought they were guilty of the charges failed to hire a nurse attorney just because they thought it’s the doom for their license already. But that is not entirely the case as there is still hope.
Unfortunately, an LVN from Houston failed to do this. This results in disciplinary action from the Texas Board of Nursing. Always keep in mind that the Texas Board of Nursing handles all of the cases that may affect the license from receiving the suspension, disciplinary action, or revocation. However, with the right nurse attorney for the case, rest assured that the case can go according to the nurse’s favor, especially if the RN or LVN has a good defense against the case.
On or about February 5, 2018, through April 4, 2018, while employed as a Licensed Vocational Nurse in Sherman, the LVN allegedly withdrew forty-two (42) tablets of Tramadol HCL 50mg, forty-six (46) tablets of Norco 10/325mg, and twenty (20) tablets of Oxycodone-APAP 5/325mg, from the medication dispensing system for patients, but failed to document and/or completely and accurately document, the administration of the medications in the patients’ Medication Administration Records, and/or nurses’ notes. Her conduct was likely to injure the patients, in that subsequent caregivers would rely on her documentation to further medicate the patients, which could result in an overdose.
Additionally, her conduct placed the pharmacy in violation of Chapter 481 (Controlled Substances Act) of the Texas Health and Safety Code.
The Texas Board of Nursing then advised her to attend a hearing regarding her issue.
During the hearing, the LVN states she believes she gave the proper medications to the proper individuals, according to doctors’ orders. She states it is possible that there were some documentation omissions.
On November 19, 2018, the LVN submitted to a Chemical Dependency Evaluation with a doctor who advises she does not appear to have a substance dependence disorder that would prevent her from practicing nursing with reasonable skill and safety to her patients. However, her poor documentation is evident. Also, due to her testing positive for Morphine, it would be prudent to verify by random drug screens that she is indeed not taking medication not prescribed to her,
Therefore, the Board decided to suspend and discipline the LVN.
If you’re facing cases such as this, and you think that additional disciplinary action should not be applied anymore, then be sure to hire a nurse attorney who can fully assist you. Texas nurse attorney Yong J. An is an experienced nurse attorney for more than 14 years. To contact him for inquiries or to schedule a confidential consultation, dial (832) 428-5679 to proceed.