what happens when nurse drug error is reported to attorney general

by Samara Parisian 3 min read

When is a nurse responsible for a medication error?

Jun 27, 2018 · Once a substance abuse disorder is suspected, the nurse is typically placed on leave until an investigation can be conducted. The nursing leadership team and human resource leaders are required to, in most states, report the abuse to the Board of Nursing (BON) and the local police authority.

What happened when a nurse gave a resident the wrong medication?

Severe errors in medication dispensation can cause tremors, comas, confusion, and other side effects. In a worst-case scenario, they can kill the resident. Alternatively, failure to prescribe or administer the proper medication can cause your loved one to suffer needless pain and suffering.

What is a nursing home medication error lawsuit?

A nurse received a 6-month suspension and a reprimand after several allegations regarding the improper dispensation and documentation of Fentanyl and Methadone, and failing to report medication errors. 10. In a recent case, the nurse in question had her licensed revoked after numerous allegations of medication errors.

Who is liable for a medication error?

Of the almost 1,300 medication errors made by hospital registered nurses included in the study, almost a quarter of them involved cardiovascular drugs. Within this category of medications, mistakes in administering anticoagulants were the most prevalent. The errors occurred between November 2011 and July 2014.

What happens to a nurse who makes a medication error?

For a nurse who makes a medication error, consequences may include disciplinary action by the state board of nursing, job dismissal, mental anguish, and possible civil or criminal charges.Mar 11, 2010

What is the nurse's responsibility regarding incident reporting and medication errors?

Nurses have a duty to report any error, behaviour, conduct or system issue affecting patient safety. This accountability is found in section 6.5 of the Code of Conduct. Medications and devices prescribed to patients can cause unforeseen and serious complications.

Who is responsible for completing a medication error report?

The reporting of medication errors to FDA's Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) is voluntary in the United States, though FDA encourages healthcare providers, patients, consumers, and manufacturers to report medication errors, including circumstances such as look-alike container labels or confusing prescribing ...Sep 8, 2021

Can a nurse be fired for a medication error?

That is, a nurse cannot be terminated for cause unless there has been willful mis- conduct or intentional dis- regard of the employer's interests. Nurses sometimes commit medication errors. Medica- tion errors always have a potential to harm patients and sometimes do harm the patient.

What to do if there is a drug error?

How to deal with medication errorsEstablish the extent of the problem. Dealing with your patient's clinical wellbeing must of course be the first step. ... Sources of information. ... Inform the patient. ... Put it right where possible. ... Reporting. ... Investigate further and review systems.Sep 17, 2021

Should nurses report medication errors?

Conclusion: Nurses are able to identify medication errors, but are reluctant to report them. Fear of the consequences was the main reason given for not reporting medication errors. When errors are reported, it is likely to be to physicians.

What types of information must be reported when reporting a medication error?

Steps of Reporting Medication Errors The details include; patient name, hospital number, prescription details, details of errors and any incorrect medicine or dose administered to the patient.

When a nurse is prosecuted for a fatal medical mistake?

A former nurse at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tenn., was arrested and charged with reckless homicide and abuse in February for making a medical mistake that resulted in an elderly patient's death. Criminal charges for a medical error are unusual, patient safety experts say.Apr 10, 2019

Who is ultimately accountable for patient medication errors?

In hospital settings, nurses are most at risk for medication negligence as they are ultimately the one responsible for administration. Lack of attention can cause them to mix up medications between patients or cause them to give the wrong dosage.Nov 18, 2013

What could happen to a nurse who commits a medical error and is reported to the BRN?

What are the potential outcomes? If the nurse against whom you have filed a complaint is found to be in violation of the Nursing Practice Act, the final decision can be: to revoke or suspend the license.

What must I do if I make a medication error that no one else knows about and it appears harmless to my patient?

There are several steps to appropriately dealing with a medical error that are relatively straightforward:Let the patient and family know. ... Notify the rest of the care team. ... Document the error and report it to the hospital safety committee.Sep 21, 2013

Government Agencies Responsible For Reducing Medication Errors

  • The Division of Medication Error and Prevention Analysis, or the DMEPA, is a United States government agency appointed to identify and reduce the risk of medication errors. DMEPA is responsible for analyzing medication error data and finding solutions to mitigate the risk of medication errors. DMEPA works with the Institute for Safe Medication Practices and the Unite…
See more on paulandperkins.com

Medication Error Statistics

  • The Center for Disease control and Prevention estimates that about 700,000 patients are rushed to an emergency care facility in the United States each year because of a preventable medication error, including the prescribing of the wrong medication. About 120,000 patients are hospitalizedin the U.S. each year due to medication errors. About eighty-two percent of America…
See more on paulandperkins.com

Occurrence of Wrong Medication Administration

  • The wrong medication can be administered because of labeling errors or pharmacy or health care confusion between two medications with similar names. If a large order of medication is mislabeled, it can be highly detrimental as the pharmacy or health care facility then disperses the drug, believing it to be a different medication. This is an extreme case, but mislabeling and the r…
See more on paulandperkins.com

Handling An Occurrence of Medication Error Or Wrong Medication Administration

  • If it is suspected that a patient is suffering from adverse reactions due to a medication error or the taking of a wrong medication, medical assistance should be sought immediately. If it is determined that the medication error was the fault of a nursing home, pharmacy, or health care facility, an attorney should be contacted as soon as possible. An attorney will be able to direct p…
See more on paulandperkins.com