A $303 million lawsuit reveals troubling allegations of fentanyl tampering by a nurse at an Oregon hospital.
At a Glance
- Attorneys filed a $303 million lawsuit against Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center in Medford, Oregon.
- The lawsuit represents both living and deceased patients.
- Nurse Dani Marie Schofield allegedly replaced fentanyl with tap water.
- The lawsuit accuses the hospital of negligence, including failing to monitor medication administration.
$303 Million Lawsuit Filed Over Nurse’s Alleged Fentanyl Tampering at Oregon Hospital
Attorneys have filed a $303 million lawsuit against Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center in Medford, Oregon, after a nurse allegedly tampered with fentanyl supplies. This legal action reflects the grievances of both living and deceased patients who suffered due to these alleged acts. The nurse in question, Dani Marie Schofield, is accused of diluting fentanyl with nonsterile tap water, compromising the drug’s effectiveness and safety.
Schofield was arrested in June and charged with 44 counts of second-degree assault. The charges followed a spike in central line infections among patients. The lawsuit alleges wrongful death and medical malpractice against the hospital, which failed to prevent drug diversion and monitor medication procedures. Schofield left her position in July 2023 and agreed to a voluntary suspension of her nursing license in November.
Patients and Families Seek Justice
The lawsuit, filed on behalf of 18 plaintiffs, including nine patients and the estates of nine deceased patients, outlines the grievous impact of Schofield’s alleged actions. The victims experienced not only physical harm but also significant mental anguish. They are seeking damages for medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.
“All Plaintiff Patients were infected with bacterium uniquely associated with waterborne transmission,” attorneys representing the plaintiffs stated.
The lawsuit highlights severe lapses in patient care and procedural oversight at Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center. The plaintiffs were informed in December about the risks they faced due to the fentanyl tampering. The hospital had allegedly failed to take adequate measures to monitor medication administration and safeguard against drug diversion by staff.
Broader Implications for Hospital Safety
Schofield’s case has broader implications for hospital safety and the ethical responsibilities of healthcare providers. This case may serve as a wake-up call for hospitals nationwide to reassess their drug monitoring systems and ensure that such a breach does not recur. Fentanyl, a potent opioid, is essential for severe pain relief but also an agent in the ongoing overdose epidemic, making its tampering a grave issue.
This case underscores the critical need for rigorous internal protocols to safeguard patient well-being and ensure trust in healthcare systems. As the legal process unfolds, the outcomes may prompt systemic changes designed to prevent such alarming incidents in the future.
