Falsifying Medical Records: A Systems Approach Investigation

A charge nurse in Kentucky falsified medical records by writing that she received a verbal order from a physician to administer an anxiolytic to a patient. An investigation by the board of nursing (BON) revealed that the nurse was guilty. However, the investigation also revealed that the work environment created by physicians, nurse managers, and facility managers forced nurses to falsify medical records. Because of this case, when the Kentucky BON investigates a complaint against a nurse today, it also investigates the culture in which the alleged violation took place.