Every practicing LVN or RN nurse in the state of Texas is required to follow certain rules and regulations imposed by the government. These laws and statutes were implemented to insure that the safety of the patients is protected by the state. The nursing profession is not an easy journey. An LVN or RN nurse who commits any violation can place his nursing license in jeopardy. The Texas Board of Nursing has the authority to revoke or suspend any nurse’s license in the country for as long as there is a justifiable reason.
In the case of Kathrina, who obtained a license to practice vocational nursing in Texas, she found herself in a comprising situation. There was a complaint filed against her, it was stated that while as an Advanced Practice Nurse and as licensed as a Registered Nurse in Texas, she engaged in the intemperate use of Hydrocodone. Chapter 481 of the Texas Health and Safety Code prohibits possession of Hyrdrocodone. This law is also commonly called as the Controlled Substances Act.
The law provides:
Sec. 481.061. FEDERAL REGISTRATION REQUIRED. (a) Except as otherwise provided by this chapter, a person who is not registered with or exempt from registration with the Federal Drug Enforcement Administration may not manufacture, distribute, prescribe, possess, analyze, or dispense a controlled substance in this state.
(b) A person who is registered with the Federal Drug Enforcement Administration to manufacture, distribute, analyze, dispense, or conduct research with a controlled substance may possess, manufacture, distribute, analyze, dispense, or conduct research with that substance to the extent authorized by the person’s registration and in conformity with this chapter.
The use of Hydrocodone by a Registered Nurse, while subject to call or duty, could impair the nurse’s ability to recognize subtle signs, symptoms or changes in the patient’s condition, and could impair the nurse’s ability to make rational, accurate, and appropriate assessments, judgments, and decisions regarding patient care, thereby placing the patient in potential danger. The Texas Board of Nursing eventually found the RN nurse guilty. She was only sanctioned to a remedial education with a fine.
Do you have questions about the Texas Board of Nursing disciplinary process? Contact The Law Office of Yong J. An for a confidential consultation by calling or texting 24/7 at (832) 428-5679 and ask for attorney Yong.
