Time card/ Time sheet fraud!

caliotter3 · May 24, 2012

Get an attorney ASAP. www.taana.org Since the client signed your time sheets, I don't see how they can make the allegations, nor do I see why they would do so at this time. Plenty is fishy about this. From my experience, most of the time when this happens, the client is part and parcel part of the problem. Many times I have been asked to commit fraud by clients and they don't like it when I tell them no and why.

Butterfly_08 · May 24, 2012

Thank you so much. My initial thought was to contact a lawyer and call the boards. It is very unfortunate situation. I understand PCG's are going through tuff times having sick/ill children/loved ones at home to care for but I've noticed a trend in greediness when it comes to the hours granted by medi-cal. Patients and PCG's always wanting more! Another unfortunate fact is my Home Care agency is basically doing nothing to back me up. They are concerned over the money (of course) and reputation. However shedding light on this matter with legal action isn't going to exactly make them look any better. My supervisor and DON assured me that medi-cal always side with the families and their word. However I am a very solid nurse. No call offs, no write-up absolutely no complaints. I am ventilator/trach/g-tube experienced. Always on point. So you can see why this is so aweful for me. I feel so extremely under-appreciated.

Thank you sooo much for the link. I will contact them ASAP.

allnurses Guide · May 24, 2012

I've been asked to do that, too. Usually it's dispensed as a "perk" from the client with sort of a wink and nod, but I absolutely refuse to do it. No, don't attempt to contact the PCG until you've gotten some legal counsel. So sorry you're going through this, though. Best wishes to you.

luv-of-kids · May 24, 2012

Since she signed your time card I don't understand why your agency isn't backing you up. I wouldn't work for them anymore. Sounds to me like maybe parent ran low on hours for the month and now trying to recoup (not sure how your state handles that-each is different). I've seen that happen before, parents not keeping track of hours and get upset when the agency lets them know they are getting low so they try to say a nurse or two "stole" their hours. Our agency responds by asking them why they signed the time card. You might want to call your state board of nursing and they can give you some recommendations. They might want to find out why the agency is not following their policy on signed time cards as well! Good luck

Kmed1 · May 30, 2012

First off, I'm so sorry this is happening to you... what a disappointing and frustrating situation. While I can't necessarily give you a tip for your current situation I have a suggestion for preventing this from EVER happening again. I have been using a mobile time tracking app that has GPS stamping (I included a link to the time tracker I use but there are several out there to choose from). Most people probably view this type of device as something managers impose on employees to micro-manage but I have found that it can protect honest employees who unfortunately are put in situations such as yours where you are justifying your efforts. A time tracker is in real time so when you clock in and out it records exactly where you are (your patients home address) and that info is saved in your data history to where any manager can view this data at any time. I use it from my iPhone but if you have a regular cell phone (with texting capabilities) or carry a laptop you can clock in and out from both of those as well. Actually, some time tracking companies have dial in features where you could physically call from your patients home phone - no way to dispute that one :) Good luck and I wish you the best.

SugarPlumRN · May 30, 2012

I would advise you to contact an attorney and not to discuss this matter any further until you have obtained legal advice. Don't contact the PCG since you do not work for them anymore. Best Luck and wishes...

allnurses Guide · May 30, 2012

First off, I'm so sorry this is happening to you... what a disappointing and frustrating situation. While I can't necessarily give you a tip for your current situation I have a suggestion for preventing this from EVER happening again. I have been using a mobile time tracking app that has GPS stamping (I included a link to the time tracker I use but there are several out there to choose from).

Thanks for the info, Kmed1. It's something to consider to protect ourselves, though I hate that we would need to. I've learned a safe and trusting situation can turn on you quickly, and in my state the methods of accounting for time vary widely from agency to agency.

Butterfly_08 · May 30, 2012

You couldn't be more accurate! And I was and am extremely offended that my agency did not back me up. Their response is mainly they need to protect themselves against fraud. They also told me that the state will always believe the parents. More agencies should back up their nurses, especially their nursing staff who has been faithful for so many years. I am definitely looking into leaving this agency. Unfortunately in the end it is the patients who suffer.

Butterfly_08 · May 30, 2012

First off, I'm so sorry this is happening to you... what a disappointing and frustrating situation. While I can't necessarily give you a tip for your current situation I have a suggestion for preventing this from EVER happening again. I have been using a mobile time tracking app that has GPS stamping (I included a link to the time tracker I use but there are several out there to choose from). Most people probably view this type of device as something managers impose on employees to micro-manage but I have found that it can protect honest employees who unfortunately are put in situations such as yours where you are justifying your efforts. A time tracker is in real time so when you clock in and out it records exactly where you are (your patients home address) and that info is saved in your data history to where any manager can view this data at any time. I use it from my iPhone but if you have a regular cell phone (with texting capabilities) or carry a laptop you can clock in and out from both of those as well. Actually, some time tracking companies have dial in features where you could physically call from your patients home phone - no way to dispute that one :) Good luck and I wish you the best.

This sounds like an excellent idea. I know some agencies use the telephone to call a number to clock in and out. Everyone should be very careful and look out for THEMSELVES!! No mater how much you love your patients, you HAVE to look out for yourself because in the end you will be the one getting screwed. Thanks a bunches to everyone for the feedback and I will surely keep everyone posted on the conclusion of this matter soon :)

Kmed1 · Sep 14, 2012

I have been an LVN since 2004. I have worked home care for almost 6 years now for several agencies in my area. I adore my patients and their families dearly. Unfortunately my DON approached me afew days ago with a very serious matter. Apparently I am being accused of fraudulent activity on my time sheets/ time cards . A parent (PCG) of a home care patient I cared for is accusing me of leaving early and coming late on several occasions adding up to approximately 22 hours!!!! This came as a complete shock to me because The PCG is the one who personally signed me in and out during the home care visits. And since these hours have already been charged to medi-cal my DON and supervisor has said it is necessary to report to the Boards of nursing as fraudulent activity. I am just now digesting this issue and I have to act on this NOW.
I would surely appreciate ANY advice anyone has. Anyone who has faced these type of allegations. Should I hire a lawyer? attempt to contact the PCG (I no longer work for that case)?? I worked so hard for my license and work so hard to take care of my patients to the best of my ability. I will not go down without a fight. This accusation is untrue and I am hurt by all of this. Please help. What should I do? and what are the repercussions to fraud??
Any advice is surely appreciated.

Butterfly_08 - Did everything end up working out for you? I hope so... :up: