Major Lawsuit Hits Oregon Hospital Over Shocking Nurse Incident

Major Lawsuit Hits Oregon Hospital Over Shocking Nurse Incident

A $303 million lawsuit filed against an Oregon hospital over a nurse’s alleged fentanyl tampering raises serious questions about patient safety.

At a Glance

  • Attorneys filed a $303 million lawsuit against Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center in Medford, Oregon.
  • A nurse, Dani Marie Schofield, is accused of replacing fentanyl with tap water in IV drips.
  • The lawsuit includes claims of wrongful death and medical malpractice, accusing the hospital of negligence.
  • The hospital allegedly failed to monitor medication administration and prevent drug diversion.

Fentanyl Tampering Leads to Lawsuit

A $303 million lawsuit targets Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center in Medford, Oregon. The complaint alleges that nurse Dani Marie Schofield replaced fentanyl with non sterile tap water in patient IV drips, risking severe patient outcomes and safety. The suit seeks accountability and measures to prevent recurrence of such breaches.

“All Plaintiff Patients were infected with bacterium uniquely associated with waterborne transmission,” highlights the alarming nature of the contamination incidents. The suit represents both living and deceased patients, emphasizing the far-reaching implications of the alleged negligence. It claims the hospital failed to adequately monitor drug administration and prevent medication tampering.

Accusations Against the Hospital

The Medford hospital faces severe accusations of negligence. Filed by attorneys on behalf of 18 plaintiffs, including nine patients and estates of nine deceased individuals, the lawsuit details gross mishandling. Schofield’s actions allegedly led to wrongful deaths and visible infections. Schofield was arrested in June, charged with 44 counts of second-degree assault related to these patient infections.

“MEDFORD, Ore. (AP) — Attorneys representing both living and deceased patients of an Oregon hospital filed a $303 million lawsuit against the facility on Tuesday after a nurse was accused of replacing prescribed fentanyl with non sterile tap water in intravenous drips. The wrongful death and medical malpractice complaint accuses Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center in Medford of negligence. The suit says the hospital failed to monitor medication administration procedures and prevent drug diversion by their employees, among other claims.”

Schofield, who left her position in July 2023 after 44 counts of second-degree assault were brought against her, pleaded not guilty. An internal investigation pinpointed the infections to patients Schofield had interacted with in the ICU, and she agreed to a voluntary suspension of her nursing license in November. The hospital informed patients about the fentanyl replacement causing bacterial infections in December.

Preventative Measures and Accountability

The lawsuit insists on preventive actions, alleging the hospital’s failure to enforce proper medication administration controls and prevent drug diversion. Patients suffered mental anguish, and together with their families, are seeking damages for medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering. The issue has magnified the critical need for stringent hospital protocols to protect patient safety and trust.

Sources

  1. Oregon hospital sued for $303 million after nurse accused of replacing fentanyl with tap water
  1. Oregon hospital hit with $303M lawsuit after a nurse is accused of replacing fentanyl with tap water
  1. Oregon hospital hit with $303M lawsuit after a nurse is accused of replacing fentanyl with tap water
  1. Oregon hospital hit with $303M lawsuit after a nurse is accused of replacing fentanyl with tap water
  1. Oregon hospital hit with $303M lawsuit after a nurse is accused of replacing fentanyl with tap water
  1. Oregon Hospital Hit With $303M Lawsuit After a Nurse Is Accused of Replacing Fentanyl With Tap Water
  1. An Oregon nurse faces assault charges that she stole fentanyl and replaced IV drips with tap water
  1. Oregon hospital hit with $303M lawsuit after a nurse is accused of replacing fentanyl with tap water
  1. Oregon police confirm investigation into medication theft amid report hospital patients died