NSO RM Case Study : Failure to screen and test for lead poisoning, leading to a delay in diagnosis

The patient had met all of her developmental milestones for the first year of her life. At the 12-month wellness visit, the patient was seen by one of the three Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner-Primary Care (CPNP-PC) working in the pediatric clinic. The mother testified that during this visit she asked the CPNP-PC (co-defendant) if any blood work needed to be performed, as her two older children had blood work drawn at their 12-month well child visit. The CPNP-PC reported that she discussed milestones and vaccines with the mother. However, there was no record in the patient’s healthcare information record of this discussion or of the query regarding lab work. The only note related to lab work was “deferred”, written by the provider next to the topic of lead screening on the form, but no explanation as to the reason for this notation.
URL: https://www.nso.com/Learning/Artifacts/Legal-Cases/Nurse-Practitioner-Case-Study-Failure-to-screen-and-test-for-lead-poisoning-leading-to-a-delay-in