All professional nurses including RN or LVN nurse in the state of Texas must comply with all the laws promulgated by the government. The RN or LVN nurse is expected to follow the rules and regulations set by the Texas Board of Nursing (BON). One wrong move can lead to the suspension or revocation of the nursing license. Aside from this, the nurses are also required to abide by the rules mandated in their workplaces. When there are complaints regarding the misconduct or negligence of the nurses, any aggrieved party may directly file an administrative case before the Board.
When a case is filed against the erring registered nurse, it is highly recommended that he hires a lawyer to defend himself. The assistance of an expert RN or LVN nurse defense attorney is such a big help especially if the case involves a possible revocation of the professional license. There are actually hundreds of cases that led to the permanent cancellation of the nursing licenses due to the failure to the defendant to get proper representation by the counsel. Among these is the case of Marvel who waived his right to be assisted by the counsel.
Ian is an LVN nurse who worked in a hospital in Texas. On or about September 15, 2016, while employed with a hospital in Dallas, Texas, he engaged in the intemperate use of opiates in that he produced a specimen for a reasonable suspicion urine drug screen which resulted positive for opiates. It must be noted that the unlawful possession of opiates in prohibited by Chapter 481 of the Texas Health & Safety Code (Controlled Substances Act).
According to the Texas BON, the use of opiates by an LVN 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 assessment, judgments, and decision regarding patient care. Overall, this places the patient in potential danger.
For all this, the LVN nurse faced a complaint before the Texas Board of Nursing (BON). The Board sent the proper notice to notify him of all the complaints filed against him. Instead of explaining his side, he opted to just continue his practice as an LVN nurse in Texas. He even waived his right to be represented by a counsel. All these resulted to the finding of guilt by the Board. The Texas Board of Nursing found out that there exist serious risks to public health and safety if the RN nurse will be allowed to continue his practice.
If you have received a letter from the Texas BON for use of drugs/alcohol or any other offense, it is best to consult an experienced Texas Nurse Defense Attorney who can guide you on the steps you need to take to protect your nursing license. Contact LVN license nurse attorney Yong J. An directly by calling or texting him at (832) 428-5679 for a discreet consultation.