News
A Medford nurse faces charges after a drug diversion incident at Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center led to widespread patient infections.
This update summarizes the reported event and explains the practical legal context Oregon readers may want to understand. It is general information, not case-specific legal advice.
Published June 11, 2024
Medford police have concluded a seven-month investigation with the arrest of former Asante nurse Dani Marie Schofield, who now faces multiple charges of assault in connection with a serious drug diversion incident at Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center. The arrest, made on June 12, 2024, highlights critical issues surrounding patient safety and medication handling in healthcare settings.
According to police reports, Schofield is accused of replacing liquid fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid, with tap water. This alleged action led to a high number of central line-associated bloodstream infections among patients. Medford Police Chief Justin Ivens provided details at a recent press conference, stating that the hospital initiated an investigation in December 2023 after noticing an unusual spike in patient infections.
Schofield has been indicted on 44 counts of second-degree assault, reflecting the serious injuries sustained by 44 patients under her care. Despite the severity of the situation, including 16 patient deaths, the charges stop short of more severe accusations, such as manslaughter or murder. Jackson County Chief Deputy District Attorney Patrick Green explained that medical experts could not conclusively link the deaths directly to the infections caused by the contaminated injections.
This case also raises potential wrongful death claims, as the estate of one deceased patient has already filed a lawsuit against Schofield and Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center. Local law firm Schlesinger and deVilleneuve is currently investigating several other wrongful deaths connected to this incident.
This alarming incident underscores the critical need for stringent controls and oversight in the handling and administration of narcotics within hospitals to prevent similar occurrences. Healthcare facilities must enforce strict protocols and ensure compliance to safeguard patient well-being.
If you or a loved one were affected by similar medical care issues, it might be essential to consult with legal experts who specialize in personal injury and healthcare malpractice to understand your rights and potential remedies.
For more information or to discuss a particular case, please reach out to Pacific Injury Law Firm at 971-277-3811 or visit our contact page.
Source reporting used to prepare this update and preserve citation transparency.
Insurance calls, medical bills, missed work, and uncertainty tend to arrive at the same time. The first job is to steady the situation: understand the facts, preserve useful records, and talk through the legal options that fit your Oregon injury claim.
“... I was referred to Adam who was able to take my case and quickly get it resolved for more than I expected. I was very pleasantly surprised by his attention to detail and tenacious negotiating tactics... Adam handled everything to make sure I received the maximum compensation for my injuries. If you need a good personal injury lawyer you just found one.”
Jim West
Tenacious Negotiating Tactics
Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Case outcomes are shared only when they can be presented accurately and with the right context.
Information submitted through this site does not create an attorney-client relationship. Representation is confirmed only in writing.
Photo: OregonLive
July 17, 2026
July 15, 2026: Portland firefighters responded before 7 a.m. Wednesday to a house fire in Southeast Portland that left a woman with burns and displaced at least three people, according to the Portland Fire Bureau.
Learn morePhoto: KATU
July 17, 2026
July 15, 2026: Portland Fire battled a house fire early Wednesday in the 7600 block of Southeast 65th Avenue. Two people were taken to a hospital, including one woman with burns to her legs, and investigators are still working to determine the cause.
Learn morePhoto: Illustration (AI-generated)
July 17, 2026
July 15, 2026: A July 5 head-on crash on state Route 503 left three people dead and one injured, according to the Washington State Patrol. The crash remains under investigation, and the medical examiner listed the cause and manner of death as pending.
Learn more
