LPN Worked Without Current License Due to Lack of Verification System
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that nursing staff possessed current licensure as required, resulting in a deficiency affecting all 45 residents. Record review and interviews revealed that an LPN's license had expired, yet the nurse continued to work for eight days out of a twenty-three day period after the expiration. The expired license was confirmed through the Kansas State Board of Nursing License Verification. During this time, the LPN was the only licensed nurse on the evening shift for multiple days. Administrative staff confirmed that the LPN self-reported the expired license, at which point she was immediately removed from the schedule. Prior to this incident, the facility did not have a system in place to ensure that licensed nursing staff maintained current licensure. The deficiency was identified through review of the facility's working schedule, license verification, and staff interviews.