U.K. Doctor confesses to falsifying records. She reported herself to the Head of Department. No General Medical Council punitive action or sanction was taken against her as the public and the profession would commend such admission of guilt.
We all have a moment of irrational behaviour when things go wrong, what I often refer to a moment of madness. Covering up such act is usually worse than the initial mistake committed.
Prompt admission of guilt is good practice. To punish such person will discourage honest disclosure by others. It stifles learning from mistakes. The Duty of Candour. - Would you do the same in your workplace?