Should I have turned the LVN in?

Nurses General Nursing

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So I know this person who is an LVN, or so I thought until recently. I was informed by someone close to this person that they in fact were not an LVN. I then decided to look at the BON website and find out if they were licensed. I could not find this person anywhere with any info I put in...Not even with the correct SS# or Birthdate! I then thought maybe they were a MA and just told ppl they were an LVN. But after I talked to this person's place of business I found out that they were in fact practicing with the title of LVN. So I sent a letter to the board because I felt it my obligation to do so. Did I overstep any boundaries? I think not, but I am sure someone has to have a different opinion than me. Also, I am a little worried that this may come back on me. I had no ill will toward this person, I was simply concerned and appalled that someone could get away with this. Hopefully for this persons sake they are in fact licensed and for some reason I just could not find it.

Specializes in LTC, Perioperative.

Ok so I saw no wrong with simply typing the social security number. I did nothing else with this person's private info. I never even wrote the number down, it came straight from someone's mouth to the Licensed Vocational Nurse Online Verification spot on the BONs website. I am sure if I tried hard enough and had the right skills I could have tracked this person's SS# down off the internet. BUT I DIDN'T. If you are still hung up on the idea of me violating HIPAA (which I DID NOT) or invading someone's privacy, I don't know what to tell you. I dont have to explain myself to anyone but the BON. And I did that in the letter I provided to them.

According to the NPA:

Sec. 301.402. Mandatory Report by Nurse.

(b)A nurse shall report to the Board in the manner prescribed under Subsection (d) if the nurse has reasonable cause to suspect that:

(1)another nurse has engaged in conduct subject to reporting;

So what conduct is subject to reporting?

Sec. 301.451. Certain Prohibited Practices.

A person may not:

(1)sell, fraudulently obtain, or fraudulently furnish a nursing diploma, license, renewal license, or record;

(2)assist another person in selling, fraudulently obtaining, or fraudulently furnishing a nursing diploma, license, renewal license, or record;

(3)practice nursing under a diploma, license, or record that was:

(A) obtained unlawfully or fraudulently; or

(B)signed or issued unlawfully or under false representation;

Does anyone else read the NPA?

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Specializes in LTC, Perioperative.
Is it a compact state? Maybe they are licensed in a different compact state?

I thought of that too. But the person who provided me with this info said they have always lived in this state and would have never had an opportunity to go to another state for education. Can you be educated in one state and then get licensed in another? I really didn't have the time or desire to research it further, I felt the Board could do that. Like I said, I hope this person is in fact licensed, whether it be in this state or another compact state.

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In my state, TX you can look up a license by the individuals first and last name only.

I think if I found out someone was PRACTICING...as an LVN...and presenting themselves as that title...and they were not they SHOULD be turned in.

Many MA's and LVN's here can do all that RN's do because their employers are "certifying" them as capable. They are doing the skills under their supervisors license from what I understand. I don't like this practice at all.

It takes jobs from all divisions of healthcare. Why wouldn't a Dr's office hire a MA and have her do all the work of an RN...and then pay her MA wages? It saves them a ton of money!

I don't think it's very safe or ethical to misuse your staff in that way.

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Yes, you can be educated in one state and get licensed in another as I did because of a move immed p graduation. I take issue with people calling this a HIPAA issue...isn't a HEALTH information protection ? I do think it would have been better to confirm in person but I also know anonymous reporting is encouraged by most state boards.

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Specializes in pediatrics, public health.

Yes, I think you did the right thing, and I don't understand why anyone is giving you a hard time about it!

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Specializes in LTC, Perioperative.

also this comes straight from the bons website!!!

what information is needed to file a complaint?

please provide the identity of the nurse involved, including the correct spelling of the name, and the nursing license number or social security number, if known, to assist us in the event the name is common, as well as a detailed summary of each alleged violation of the npa, including dates of each alleged incident and the medical record number of the patient involved. supplying the medical record number is not a violation of confidentiality. if the incident involves a medication, include the name of the medication.

be as specific as possible in describing the events, and include a list of any witnesses with first-hand observations and knowledge of the incident(s).

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

To the OP: I think that by posting here you have doubts as to the legitimacy of you reporting this person.

Since you feel you did the right thing - that's all the matters.

However, reporting someone to the BON has huge ramifications and not something to be taken lightly.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Neuro, ICU, travel RN, Psych.

I think you did the right thing, IMO. It may not sound like the greatest thing to be searching using her social, but it sounds like you were just trying to be thorough before reporting it. If she is in fact licensed, than the board will have no cause to investigate further, and it should not harm her in anyway.

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to the op: i think that by posting here you have doubts as to the legitimacy of you reporting this person.

since you feel you did the right thing - that's all the matters.

however, reporting someone to the bon has huge ramifications and not something to be taken lightly.

it has no ramifications if the person in question is in fact a licensed professional. i would imagine that if the complaint has no merit, this will be easily established and no consequences will ensue. imo she is not licensed and is practicing nursing without the proper credentials, then she is deserving of whatever ramifications befall her.

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So the person that gave me this info is an ex relative, that at some point in time had access to this info for some reason or another. I don't care care what that reason is. I am just an acquaintance to the LVN. I have met this person and in the short time I have known them we have had conversations about nursing, so i know they identify them self as a nurse. I could care less if they are in fact licensed or not...I care if they are practicing as a nurse and in fact have no formal education.

I will reiterate that there was no ill will intended on my part. I am a concerned nurse who wants to make sure that the patients who come in contact with this person are receiving competent care.

It is not my job to investigate this, but it is someones!

That sounds like code for the imposter is my boyfriend's ex-wife. ;)

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Specializes in LTC, Perioperative.
That sounds like code for the imposter is my boyfriend's ex-wife. ;)

LOL! although it does appear this way...this is not the case!

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also this comes straight from the bons website!!!

what information is needed to file a complaint?

please provide the identity of the nurse involved, including the correct spelling of the name, and the nursing license number or social security number, if known, to assist us in the event the name is common, as well as a detailed summary of each alleged violation of the npa, including dates of each alleged incident and the medical record number of the patient involved. supplying the medical record number is not a violation of confidentiality. if the incident involves a medication, include the name of the medication.

be as specific as possible in describing the events, and include a list of any witnesses with first-hand observations and knowledge of the incident(s).

ok you have no business with her ss number you could have used her name or simply ask her for her license number.what if this person has identity stolen and you get caught up in that.i do agree that misrepresenting oneself as a nurse should be reported.what kind of a person that was such a close acquaintance of the individual would give you their ss. it is sad that you see no harm in having and using the ss.would you like it if your family or friends hand out your ss?

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