Medford Nurse Faces Charges in Asante Hospital Drug Theft Incident

Medford, Oregon | June 12, 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.

Details of the Incident

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.

Legal Ramifications

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.

Implications for Patient Safety

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.