advancedmalpracticeliabilityrisk managementclozapineREMSagranulocytosisstandard of caredocumentation
A PMHNP prescribes clozapine for a patient with treatment-resistant schizophrenia. Three months later, the patient develops severe agranulocytosis requiring hospitalization. The patient's family files a malpractice lawsuit. During discovery, it is revealed that the PMHNP documented the REMS enrollment and initial CBC but has no documentation of the required weekly blood monitoring for the first six months. The PMHNP's attorney explains the legal standard that will be applied.