Unlicensed LVN Worked Multiple Shifts with Expired License
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that a licensed vocational nurse (LVN) held a valid and current license while working, resulting in one LVN working with an expired license for multiple shifts. A letter from the Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians showed that the LVN’s license became delinquent and inactive after it was not renewed, and it was not renewed again until 22 days after its expiration. Review of the facility’s Nursing Staff Assignment and Sign-in Sheets showed that this LVN worked 14 shifts during the period when the license was expired. In a telephone interview, the LVN stated she believed she was working with an active license and was unaware it had expired. During a concurrent interview and record review, the DON confirmed that the facility’s job description for LPN/LVN required a current, unencumbered, active license to practice in the state and acknowledged that this requirement was not followed. This failure had the potential to place 59 highly vulnerable residents at risk due to the LVN’s non-compliance with the legal requirement to practice nursing.
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