There is a very disturbing story coming out of Kermit, Texas. Two nurses filed a complaint with the Texas Medical Board about a local doctor because of their concern that his treatment of patients was below the standard of care. As a result, they lost their jobs and now face criminal charges.
“[Advocating for patients] is an absolute right,” states Clair Jordan, MSN, RN, executive director of Texas Nurses Association,“ that has directed TNA for over 20 years to pass laws to protect nurses from such retaliation. This whole criminal case is just outrageous,” she said.
I have to agree. Even the Texas Medical Board thinks that nothing improper was done: ” It is improper to criminally prosecute people for raising complaints with the Texas Medical board; the complaints were confidential and not subject to subpoena; and under federal law the Texas Medical Board is exempt for HIPPA requirements, so there was not violations of any laws.”
As a former nurse, I know that nurses are on the front lines every day. They see great medical doctors and terrible medical doctors. Protecting patients from substandard care is what nurses should do. I only hope that the prosecutor wakes up and realizes what a terrible mistake he is making.
