A former intensive care unit nurse in Oregon, Dani Marie Schofield, has been arrested for allegedly tampering with fentanyl drips by replacing the potent painkiller with tap water. The Medford Police Department announced her arrest following a “lengthy investigation” into the alleged drug diversion at Asante Rogue Regional Hospital, which spanned from 2022 to 2023.

Lengthy Investigation Uncovers Disturbing Pattern

The investigation began in early December 2023 when hospital officials noticed an alarming rise in central line infection cases among patients in the intensive care unit. Upon further review, it was discovered that Schofield, who had left the hospital in July 2023, had access to all the affected patients. Concerns grew that Schofield had been siphoning liquid fentanyl from patients’ drips for personal use and substituting it with tap water, leading to severe infections.

An internal investigation by the hospital confirmed these fears, prompting a comprehensive probe by the police department. The investigation included interviews with nearly 100 individuals and revealed a troubling pattern of fentanyl diversion linked to Schofield. In November, Schofield voluntarily suspended her nursing license pending the investigation’s outcome.

Grand Jury Indictment and Legal Ramifications

After the extensive investigation, a grand jury was convened to evaluate the evidence. Schofield was subsequently indicted on 44 counts of second-degree assault, reflecting the number of patients impacted by her alleged actions. The police department clarified that second-degree assault charges apply when an individual intentionally or knowingly causes serious physical injury to another person.

In addition to the criminal charges, Schofield faces a wrongful death lawsuit filed in February. The lawsuit alleges that she stole fentanyl from a 65-year-old patient’s medical drip, contributing to his death. While medical experts noted that the deaths associated with the case could not be directly linked to central line infections, the allegations have nonetheless raised serious concerns about patient safety and the oversight of controlled substances in medical settings.

Impact on Patients and Broader Implications

The implications of Schofield’s alleged actions are profound, not only for the patients who suffered but also for the broader medical community. Fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid used as a pain reliever in medical contexts, has also been a significant driver of the national overdose crisis. The theft and misuse of such a potent drug highlight the ongoing challenges in preventing drug diversion within healthcare facilities.

The Medford Police Department’s findings have spurred calls for increased vigilance and tighter controls over the handling of controlled substances in hospitals. As the legal proceedings against Schofield unfold, the case serves as a stark reminder of the critical need for robust safeguards to protect patients and ensure the integrity of medical care.

In the wake of this scandal, Asante Rogue Regional Hospital and other healthcare institutions may need to reevaluate their protocols and training programs to prevent similar incidents in the future. Ensuring that medical staff are held to the highest ethical standards is essential to maintaining trust and safety in healthcare environments.