Nursing Law & Order

Billing for Skilled Nursing Services

I am a home care nurse. Although I haven't worked in several months (my law practice keeps me extremely busy), I still consider myself a home care nurse and I plan to return to clinical practice at the end of the year.

If you work as home care nurse, only bill for the skilled nursing services you provide. This cannot be overstated. Improper billing may be a crime and may subject you to a Nursing Board investigation. Its not worth it (actually it may be in the short term with the extra income for some) because at some point if you are overbilling, double billing, and engaged in other "under the table" activities while providing skilled nursing care, it will catch up with you.

As a home care nurse, I know it happens. But that does not make it right or appropriate because other nurses are doing it. Take the high road because your license, your liberty, and your career as a professional nurse is "on the line" if your billing for skilled nursing services is questioned for overbilling.

Self-Reporting A Violation to the Nursing Board

I was contacted last week by a nurse who was terminated from his position for falsification of a medical record, i.e. charting ahead.

The employer told the nurse before terminating him that it makes your case look better with the Nursing Board if you self-report. The nurse self-reported the incident to the Nursing Board.

Just a hint. Before you decide to self-report an incident to the Nursing Board, contact your state professional association or speak with a licensure defense attorney.

Self-reporting an incident to the Nursing Board may or not be help your case.