My sister is a Licensed Vocational Nurse in Columbus, OH. Until yesterday, she was employed in a nursing home there. Last week, a resident's family complained that medication had been forced upon their family member, after he refused it. My sister reported this to the Director of Nursing, with no result - the offending nurse was not disciplined, remained on the schedule, and was still assigned to that patient.
My sister then reported the incident to the Department of Health Services. The Director of Nursing did not even wait for DHS to leave the building on the day of their investigation before they suspended my sister without pay. The offending nurse was not suspended. Yesterday, they terminated my sister's employment.
How many ways is this illegal, and what are my sister's entitlements under the law?
Answers (1)
Ohio law has a Nursing Home Bill of Rights that protects whistle blowers from retaliation. It is located at http://codes.ohio.gov/orc/3721.13. I believe that you will find a remedy there.
posted by Neil Klingshirn | Aug 29, 2008 7:01 PM [EST]
