Connie Sneed, a licensed practical nurse, was charged after another nurse at Wedgewood Healthcare Center in Clarksville, Ind., contacted the facility’s director about a Facebook post written by Ms. Sneed.
“I just want y’all to know the hardest thing I’ve ever done in 28 years start a patient on O2 for 4 days 12 LPM. with a non-rebreather mask,” she wrote, describing the treatment of the nursing home resident, according to USA Today. “I asked him on day 4 if he’s tired he said yes I said do you want me to take all this off for you and let you go and fly with the angels and he said yes.”
The post continued: “I took it all off of him I went in the hallway and I cried and I let him go and he passed away … after I left.”
Ms. Sneed’s actions led to an investigation by the Indiana Department of Health and the state attorney general.
“We presented our findings to the Clark County Prosecutor and charges were filed as a result,” a spokesperson for the Indiana attorney general told the IndyStar.
Ms. Sneed was fired from Wedgewood May 6, about a week after the alleged incident. The facility’s executive director determined she didn’t obtain a physician’s order to administer oxygen nor to later remove the patient’s oxygen supply, according to the IndyStar.
If convicted, Ms. Sneed faces a maximum of six years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
More articles on legal and regulatory issues:
New Jersey health system sues insurer over $2.5B policy payout
Man who crashed car into Ohio hospital pleads guilty to murder
Virginia health system sues insurer after $150M in COVID-19 losses
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.
