A patient at New Castle, Pa.-based UPMC Jameson faces criminal charges after allegedly punching a nurse who was trying to stop her from leaving the facility April 8, according to New Castle News.
Hospital staff called the police after 40-year-old Lori Roth grew disruptive and tried to leave the hospital, even though she was not discharged and still had an IV in her arm. When a nurse attempted to stop her from getting on an elevator, Ms. Roth allegedly punched her in the throat and shoved her out of the way, according to a criminal complaint cited by New Castle News.
A police officer reported seeing Ms. Roth walking in the hospital's lobby with a trail of medical staff behind her. The officer stopped her from exiting the building and eventually managed to escort her back to her room.
Police charged Ms. Roth with aggravated and simple assault and issued a warrant for her arrest, pending her discharge from UPMC Jameson.
More articles on legal and regulatory issues:
9 latest healthcare industry lawsuits, settlements
Feds, 30 states claim McKesson illegally repackaged cancer drugs to maximize profits: 5 things to know
Teen sues Michigan hospital after vicious attack in ER