Overdose can be accidental or intentional. An overdose occurs when a person or a patient takes more than the medically prescribed dose. In nursing care, it is the duty of the assigned nurse to see to it that the administered medication correctly coincides with the physician’s order of dosage. But if an RN neglected such duty or made a mistake during her or his shift, a patient’s life will be at risk. If an RN is accused and being summoned by the Board, a nurse attorney will be such a great help on the case.
At the time of the initial incident, she was employed as an RN at a medical facility in Beaumont, Texas, and had been in that position for one (1) year and five (5) months.
On or about July 31, 2020, while employed as an RN at a medical facility in Beaumont, Texas, RN was accused of the following:
- RN administered Lorazepam 1mg and Morphine 2mg to a patient in excess frequency and/or dosage of the physician’s orders. RN’s conduct was likely to injure the patient in that the administration of Lorazepam and Morphine in excess frequency and/or dosage of the physicians’ orders could result in the patient suffering from adverse reactions. Additionally, RN’s conduct placed the hospital in violation of Chapter 481 (Controlled Substances Act) of the Texas Health and Safety Code.
- RN withdrew Lorazepam 2mg from the medication dispensing system for the above-mentioned patient but failed to follow the facility’s policy and procedure for wastage of the unused portions of the medication. RN’s conduct left medication unaccounted for, was likely to deceive the hospital pharmacy, and placed the pharmacy in violation of Chapter 481 (Controlled Substances Act) of the Texas Health and Safety Code.
- RN misappropriated Lorazepam 2mg belonging to the facility and patients thereof or failed to take precautions to prevent such misappropriation. RN’s conduct was likely to defraud the facility and patients thereof of the cost of the medications.
In response, RN states the night nurse did not stay current with administering the patient’s pain medication and that she wasted medications with a witness.
The above actions constitute 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)(C),(1)(D)&(3) and 22 TEX. ADMIN. CODE §217.12(1)(A),(1)(B),(4),(6)(G),(8),(10)(C),(10)(E)&(11)(B).
Unfortunately, the Texas Board of Nursing found her guilty of her deeds. Her RN license was subjected to disciplinary action. She did not hire a skilled Texas BON attorney to fully defend her case which led to this decision by the Texas Board of Nursing.
Make sure that you will not make the same mistake as the RN mentioned above in her case before the Texas Board of Nursing (BON). Contact a Texas nurse attorney today who can provide you with a confidential consultation and evaluate your case and counsel you on the best steps to take. Nurse Attorney Yong J. An is an experienced nurse attorney for various licensing cases for 16 years and represented over 300 nurses before the Texas BON. Contact Mr. An by calling or texting him 24/7 directly at (832) 428-5679.