$303 Million Lawsuit Filed Against Oregon Hospital Over Nurse's Alleged Fentanyl Tampering and Infections

Attorneys have filed a $303 million lawsuit against Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center in Medford, Oregon, following allegations that a former nurse replaced prescribed fentanyl with nonsterile tap water in intravenous drips.

Claims of Negligence

The lawsuit, representing both living and deceased patients, claims negligence on the part of the hospital. It accuses the facility of failing to monitor medication administration procedures and prevent drug diversion by their employees, among other allegations.

Charges against Former Nurse

Dani Marie Schofield, a former nurse at the hospital, was arrested in June and charged with 44 counts of second-degree assault. The charges stem from a police investigation into the theft and misuse of controlled substances that led to patient infections. Schofield has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Separate Lawsuit Filed

A separate lawsuit was previously filed against Schofield and the hospital earlier this year, representing the estate of a 65-year-old man who died.

New Lawsuit and Plaintiffs

The newly filed lawsuit includes 18 plaintiffs, comprising nine patients and the estates of nine patients who died. According to the suit, the hospital began notifying them in December that an employee had replaced fentanyl with tap water, resulting in bacterial infections. The complaint states that all plaintiffs were infected with bacteria associated with waterborne transmission.

Emotional and Financial Impact

The plaintiffs report experiencing mental anguish and seek damages for medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering, particularly for those who died. The lawsuit demands millions of dollars in compensation for the impact on their lives.

Police Investigation

The police investigation in Medford started late last year after hospital officials observed a concerning increase in central line infections from July 2022 to July 2023. They reported their suspicions of an employee diverting fentanyl to the authorities.

The Issue of Drug Theft in Hospitals

The allegations highlight the persistent problem of drug theft in hospitals, which poses a significant challenge to patient safety. Fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid, is commonly misused and poses a risk in medical settings despite its legitimate use for severe pain relief.