In every action that a nurse takes, it is important that he follows the Code of Ethics. His actions must be within the metes and bounds of the law. Otherwise, the LVN or the RN may be subjected to an administrative or criminal case. The case may be filed by any interested party such as the patient involved or even directly by the Texas Board of Nursing. If this happens to you being the nurse involved in any case, you should seek the help of a reliable and skilled nurse attorney with a known experience for many years.
It was on or about October 25, 2018, when an LVN from Dallas, Texas was charged with fraud. The LVN entered a plea of guilty to one (1) count of HEALTH CARE FRAUD in the United States District Court in Texas. As a result of the plea, the LVN was placed on probation for four (4) years and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of two hundred forty-nine thousand five hundred sixty-eight dollars and eighteen cents ($249,568.18), along with court costs.
In response, the LVN states she never directed anyone nor had any knowledge that employees to whom she had entrusted certain duties in her absence, would ultimately misuse that trust by ignoring well-established rules and obligations fundamental to any Medicare provider. The LVN states she takes full responsibility as the 100% owner of a home health agency that received reimbursement from Medicare for claims for services that were never performed. The LVN states she takes full responsibility for failing to recognize and protect against potential wrongful conduct committed by her employees on behalf of her business. The LVN by her signature expresses her desire to voluntarily surrender the licenses.
Any problem or in any situation, we can make arrangements and make amends or agree on a settlement or pay for the mistakes and misconduct that we commit as human beings. The aforementioned LVN could have not voluntarily surrendered her license, she could have done more if she had hired or consulted an expert legal counsel such as an experienced nurse attorney to represent her and defend her from the case or charges filed against her to the Texas Board of Nursing. She may have saved her license and kept her career as a nurse.
But due to such failure on the part of the LVN, everything didn’t go her way and had to face her decision after all you need to stand for it. It is such a waste if only the nurse was prepared and had fought till the very end, the outcome may have been different for her.
The story of the LVN only shows how challenging it is to keep hold of your nursing license in Texas. Make sure that you know how to avoid a similar situation like this from happening in the future. Prepare yourself by engaging the services of a nurse attorney.
Equip yourself with the knowledge and expertise you need for a successful outcome by consulting a knowledgeable and experienced Texas nurse attorney. Contact the Law Office of Attorney Yong J. An by text or call nurse attorney Yong 24/7 at (832) 428-4579.