I have just recently started a new job at a nursing home, on 6-24-09 I was orientating with anthor nurse on the hall. One of our patients that recieved her meds between the hour of 8:55- 9:03pm called her husband and said she recieved her meds at 8:15 pm , The time she was calling her husband we was not on the hall. Well her husband has filed a complaint against me saying she recived her meds at 8:15 with the state board of nursing . We have a rule you can give the med 1 hour before or 1 hour after the schuduled time . The scheduled time was at 9pm. His wife is on numerous of psychotropic meds and tend to be confused and they both have a history with this nursing home for making the same false claim. What should I do and can I sue for deformation of character?
Optional Information: State/Country of Question: Mississippi Already Tried: I live in Moss Point,Mississippi but work in Mobile, Alabama.
First, the board will not take any action when there is no wrong doing. Based on the information provided, you will not have an issue with the board. Be honest in your response to the complaint and advise that the orders for the patient were followed. This complaint will have no impact on your licensure so you will have no damages as a result. Responding to the complaint is a hassle, but that should be the extent of the problems.
As to filing an action against the complainant, it is not likely worth your time as you have suffered no damages. Additionally, you would need to prove the statements made were false. Truth is an absolute defense to such actions. This would not be a worthwhile expenditure of time or money and could appear retalitory to the board. Your best course of action is the respond promptly and thoroughly to the board.
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Experience: Real Estate, Landlord and Tenant, Family Law, Consumer Rights, Nursing Home, Business Law