Albany, NY - Recent events in Tennessee that resulted in the criminal conviction of Nurse RaDonda Vaught, should raise serious questions for nurses and all healthcare providers about the malpractice system in the United States. The conviction of this nurse for a tragic medication error will make all providers worry that reporting errors could move professional disciplinary procedures beyond the administrative/civil system to criminal proceedings. The culture of safety in health care rightfully puts patient safety first and mandates that all errors be reported.  Best practices require that the entire process leading to the error undergo an investigation to make sure all gaps in safe process are corrected.  Nurses accused of malpractice appropriately undergo an investigation and review by the state authority that governs professional licensing. The individual must accept that outcome. From the beginning, Nurse Vaught admitted the medication error. The professional disciplinary process and eventual administrative action against Ms. Vaught’s license are not in dispute. However, the rest of the system failed her. To protect patient safety and create accountability, all stakeholders must be honest and forthright throughout the process. The handling of this case raises troubling questions about every aspect of the investigation, response, and outcome.

Watch the video address from ANA-NY President click here  

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ANA-NY is the professional association for registered professional nurses (RN) in New York state. Launched in 2012, ANA-NY is dedicated to: promoting excellence in nursing practice, improving the quality of health care services, and promoting professional and leadership development of RNs. A constituent member of the American Nurses Association, nurses who join ANA-NY will have membership in and receive benefits from both the state and national organizations. For more information visit http://www.ana-newyork.org/

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