Maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and integrity is paramount in nursing practice, particularly when it comes to accurate documentation and patient care. Nurses play a pivotal role in providing comprehensive and timely nursing notes, reflecting the care provided to patients. However, there are unfortunate instances when nurses may deviate from these essential standards, raising serious concerns about patient well-being and professional conduct. In situations like these, nurses facing allegations or legal concerns related to inaccurate documentation can greatly benefit from the expertise and support of a nurse attorney. They can advocate for the nurse’s rights throughout the investigation. Nurse attorneys guide and support LVNs in formulating a robust defense strategy to mitigate potential professional and legal consequences.
At the time of the incident, she was employed as an LVN at a hospital in Grand Prairie, Texas, and had been in that position for one (1) year and five (5) months.
On or about February 14, 2021, while employed as an LVN at a hospital in Grand Prairie, Texas, LVN falsely documented nursing notes for four (4) different patients, in that she documented notes at 0700, but did not clock in until 0819. LVN created an inaccurate medical record and was likely to deceive other caregivers who needed complete and accurate information on which to further base their care.
In response to the above incident, LVN states she does not recall the circumstances, but believes she probably forgot to clock in on arrival and clocked in when she remembered.
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)(D) and 22 TEX. ADMIN. CODE §217.12 (1)(B),(1)(C), (6)(A)&(6)(H).
As a result, the Texas Board of Nursing decided to place her LVN license under disciplinary action. It’s too bad that she failed to hire a nurse attorney for assistance, knowing that she had every reason to defend herself in the first place. Her defense would have gotten better if she sought legal consultation from a Texas nurse attorney as well.
So, if you’re facing a complaint from the Board, it’s best to seek legal advice first. Texas Nurse Attorney Yong J. An is willing to assist every nurse in need of immediate help for nurse licensing cases. He is an experienced nurse attorney for various licensing cases for the past 17 years and represented over 500 nurses before the Texas BON. To contact him, please dial (832)-428-5679 for a confidential consultation or for more inquiries.