People in Connecticut who are in nursing homes, hospitals and other care facilities have the right to expect a reasonable standard of care and a staff that is attentive and concerned about their needs. Unfortunately, that does not always form the template of how patients are treated. This applies to any type of facility. The state is responsible for overseeing medical professionals and making certain that they adhere to proper protocols and behave professionally. When this does not happen, patients can suffer personal injury, even death.
The Board of Examiners disciplined seven nurses in the state. Five of them allegedly abused drugs and alcohol. Another provided inappropriate care for an inmate at a correctional institution. That inmate hit her head on a wall and suffered a serious brain injury, and remains in a long-term care institution.
Another nurse was alleged to have abused cocaine and alcohol. In another drug case, a different nurse tested positive for Codeine, Oxycodone and Xanax, while she was on probation. She claimed that she was receiving treatment and had her license reinstated, but again tested positive for drugs late last year.
A third nurse was found impaired while on duty after opiate use. A fourth nurse had her license revoked due to inappropriate handling of Morphine. A fifth nurse was fined and had her license placed on probation because she stole 14 Fentanyl patches.
Finally, a nurse was suspended for using drugs for panic attacks that were meant for patients, falsified records. Allegedly, she also had inappropriate contact with a patient.
On its face, these issues might not automatically be viewed as linked to an assisted living facility. But, given the litany of violations, it is a warning sign that there may ne nursing home neglect. This could be the basis for a legal filing to receive compensation and a qualified attorney can help with the investigation and in moving forward with litigation.
Source: nhregister.com, “Connecticut agency disciplines 7 nurses working in the state,” Kate Farrish, May 17, 2017
