In the realm of healthcare, accurate and timely documentation is not only a professional responsibility but also a critical component of ensuring patient safety and continuity of care. In situations where a nurse or APRN is confronted with allegations of inaccurate documentation, the guidance and expertise of a nurse attorney become invaluable. A nurse attorney serves as a crucial advocate in navigating any legal or disciplinary proceedings, ensuring that the nurse’s rights are protected and that the process is fair and ethical.
At the time of the initial incident, she was employed as an APRN in the role of Gerontological Nurse Practitioner at a hospital in Carrollton, Texas, and had been in that position for one (1) year and seven (7) months.
On or about November 24, 2020, through December 5, 2020, while working as an APRN in the role of Gerontological Nurse Practitioner at a hospital in Carrollton, Texas, and providing care for the patient, RN inaccurately documented a visit note for the patient, reported that she saw the patient November 24, 2020, and that the patient reported his back itched. She signed the chart on December 5, 2020. The patient had previously passed away on November 17, 2020. RN’s conduct created an inaccurate and incomplete medical record upon which other caregivers would rely to provide patient care.
In response, RN reported she made an error in documenting the dates of treatment for this patient, but she was not intending to be deceptive; it was a result of accidentally documenting the wrong date. She reported she acknowledged her error and was making every effort to appropriately and timely document all patient files.
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)&(3)(A) and 22 TEX. ADMIN. CODE §217.12 (1)(A),(1)(B)&(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 nurse 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 17 years and represented over 500 nurses before the Texas BON. Contact the Law Office of Yong J. An 24/7 through text or call at (832) 428-5679.