Question:
Dear Nancy,
What do I need to do if I want to report a nurse manager for her unprofessional conduct involving falsifying patient documentation? Who and where can I go with this information outside my hospital? The incident I want to report happened three years ago, and I am wondering if are there are time limits for reporting this?
Luke
Dear Nancy replies:
Dear Luke,
One way you can deal with the nurse manager's conduct is reporting her to the state board of nursing. If you decide to do so, you should first read the state nurse practice act and rules. Most often, you can find the act and rules on the state board's website. Then look on the website for a link to report a nurse licensee for misconduct. Many boards of nursing supply a form that you fill out and then email the completed form to the board.
When you fill out the form, be certain to be truthful and factual. Give dates and examples of what falsification occurred without breaching patient confidentiality, if patient notes are involved. You might consider consulting with a nurse attorney or other attorney in your state to help guide you with
the form.
Insofar as a time limit for reporting conduct to your board of nursing, check the act or the website, or discuss this with the attorney with whom you consult. Generally, any time frame in a nurse practice act governs when the board must take action against a nurse licensee once a complaint is received.
Sincerely,
Nancy
