Should I have turned the LVN in?

2 So I know this person who is an LVN, or so I thought until recently. I was informed by someone close to this person that they in fact were not an LVN. I then decided to look at the BON website and find out if they were licensed. I could not find this person anywhere with any info I put in...Not even with the correct SS# or Birthdate! I then thought maybe they were a MA and just told ppl they were an LVN. But after I talked to this person's place of business I found out that they were in fact practicing with the title of LVN. So I sent a letter to the board because I felt it my obligation to do so. Did I overstep any boundaries? I think not, but I am sure someone has to have a different opinion than me. Also, I am a little worried that this may come back on me. I had no ill will toward this person, I was simply concerned and appalled that someone could get away with this. Hopefully for this persons sake they are in fact licensed and for some reason I just could not find it.
What scares me is that you got access to this person's SSN and DOB. Someone is really loose with personal information.

I am not sure from your post that your interest in this is purely professional integrity. You somehow have access to this person's social security number and birth date. This would indicate that this person is somehow closely related to you or someone in your family or else you had access professionally. I am not sure how you would have this information! I don't even know my Mom or siblings' social security numbers. It sounds like you either have a personal axe to grind or have used your professional access to this information in a way that violates HIPAA. This person, if not properly licensed, is in the wrong; but, you don't seem to have much legal or ethical footing either at this point. Just my humble opinion.

I, too, am curious as to how you have access to this person's private information. To have that information, you must have some connection with her. If that 's the case, why not investigate by asking her directly about where she went to school, etc.? Why not ask her work supervisor, etc.?

if anything, i would have consulted nm, sharing concerns.it doesn't matter why op did this.if an unlicensed person is working as someone who is, it warrants investigation.lots of potential for danger, if choosing to look other way.leslie

I was also wondering how you had access to this persons ssn. That aside I do think if we find out someone is practicing as a nurse, using the title (rn, bsn, lvn) and they do not hold the licensure that we report it. I hate the thought of needing to do this, but I think of how I would feel if I intrusted my health or my family's health to someone then found out they did not hold that license and others knew about it and did nothing. If you do this you need to be ready for repercussions from that person or others that they know.

So the person that gave me this info is an ex relative, that at some point in time had access to this info for some reason or another. I don't care care what that reason is. I am just an acquaintance to the LVN. I have met this person and in the short time I have known them we have had conversations about nursing, so i know they identify them self as a nurse. I could care less if they are in fact licensed or not...I care if they are practicing as a nurse and in fact have no formal education. I will reiterate that there was no ill will intended on my part. I am a concerned nurse who wants to make sure that the patients who come in contact with this person are receiving competent care. It is not my job to investigate this, but it is someones!

I would hope that people think twice before calling this person an outright liar. The OP specifically stated that there was no "ill will" towards the "LVN" in question. What about the person potentially impersonating a nurse? Is this no big deal?

Quote from �NurseI would hope that people think twice before calling this person an outright liar. The OP specifically stated that there was no "ill will" towards the "LVN" in question. What about the person potentially impersonating a nurse? Is this no big deal?

OP = original poster

The OP is protecting our profession by making sure a nurse has the proper credentials. I agree with the other posters that she should not be using the nurse's SS# for any reason. She could have called the state and let them know, and they could investigate from there.

Is it a compact state? Maybe they are licensed in a different compact state?

Ok so I saw no wrong with simply typing the social security number. I did nothing else with this person's private info. I never even wrote the number down, it came straight from someone's mouth to the Licensed Vocational Nurse Online Verification spot on the BONs website. I am sure if I tried hard enough and had the right skills I could have tracked this person's SS# down off the internet. BUT I DIDN'T. If you are still hung up on the idea of me violating HIPAA (which I DID NOT) or invading someone's privacy, I don't know what to tell you. I dont have to explain myself to anyone but the BON. And I did that in the letter I provided to them. According to the NPA:Sec. 301.402. Mandatory Report by Nurse. (b)A nurse shall report to the Board in the manner prescribed under Subsection (d) if the nurse has reasonable cause to suspect that:(1)another nurse has engaged in conduct subject to reporting; So what conduct is subject to reporting?Sec. 301.451. Certain Prohibited Practices. A person may not:(1)sell, fraudulently obtain, or fraudulently furnish a nursing diploma, license, renewal license, or record;(2)assist another person in selling, fraudulently obtaining, or fraudulently furnishing a nursing diploma, license, renewal license, or record;(3)practice nursing under a diploma, license, or record that was:(A) obtained unlawfully or fraudulently; or(B)signed or issued unlawfully or under false representation; Does anyone else read the NPA?