There is a high expectation for the performance of every nurse in the state of Texas. A LVN or RN nurse needs to show that he is equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to provide an exceptional level of nursing care to the patients. The government of Texas has imposed several regulations that must be followed by every professional nurse in the country. Otherwise, the Texas Board of Nursing (BON) may suspend or revoke the nursing license.
The decision of the Texas Board of Nursing (BON) is dependent on several factors. You need to know what affects the decision. In so doing, you will have an idea on the basic do’s and don’ts in practicing your nursing license in Texas. It must be noted that the Board does not automatically render its decision, resolution or order. As a matter of fact, it gives every LVN or RN nurse an opportunity to be heard during the proceedings.
There was a nurse named Claford who was a respondent in a case filed before the Texas Board of Nursing (BON). Before the institution of the case, Barney worked as a registered nurse in a state hospital. While employed as a Medical ICU Staff Nurse with, the RN nurse failed to administer the insulin, during nighttime schedule, for a particular patient admitted to the medical center. At the same time, he also failed to notify the Physician that the insulin dose was not administered.
Because of what the RN did, the life of the patient was placed in great danger. His actions were prejudicial to the patient involved. According to the complaint filed, his misconduct was likely to injure the patient from ineffective treatment. It also deprived the doctor assigned of the opportunity to institute timely medical intervention.
The action of the RN nurse was a violation of this law:
Sec. 301.452. Grounds for Disciplinary Action.
(a)In this section, intemperate use includes practicing nursing or being on duty or on call while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
(b) A person is subject to denial of a license or to disciplinary action under this subchapter for:
(1) a violation of this chapter, a rule or regulation not inconsistent with this chapter, or an order issued under this chapter;
(2) fraud or deceit in procuring or attempting to procure a license to practice professional nursing or vocational nursing;
(3) a conviction for, or placement on deferred adjudication community supervision or deferred disposition for, a felony or for a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude;
(4) conduct that results in the revocation of probation imposed because of conviction for a felony or for a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude;
(5) use of a nursing license, diploma, or permit, or the transcript of such a document, that has been fraudulently purchased, issued, counterfeited, or materially altered;
(6) impersonating or acting as a proxy for another person in the licensing examination required under Section 301.253 or 301.255;
(7) directly or indirectly aiding or abetting an unlicensed person in connection with the unauthorized practice of nursing;
(8) revocation, suspension, or denial of, or any other action relating to, the person’s license or privilege to practice nursing in another jurisdiction or under federal law;
(9) intemperate use of alcohol or drugs that the board determines endangers or could endanger a patient;
(10) unprofessional conduct in the practice of nursing that is likely to deceive, defraud, or injure a patient or the public;
(11) adjudication of mental incompetency;
(12) lack of fitness to practice because of a mental or physical health condition that could result in injury to a patient or the public; or
(13) failure to care adequately for a patient or to conform to the minimum standards of acceptable nursing practice in a manner that, in the board’s opinion, exposes a patient or other person unnecessarily to risk of harm.
Luckily, the RN nurse was able to present the right set of defenses that helped her to protect his nursing license. However, the Texas Board of Nursing (BON) still ordered that the RN nurse receive the sanction of reprimand with stipulations.
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 nurse attorney Yong J. An directly by calling or texting him at (832) 428-5679 for a discreet consultation.