Defunct New Mexico Nursing Home Convicted of Abuse in Wrongful Death
Richard Gerhardt was admitted to Laurel Canyon Nursing Home in Albuquerque, New Mexico on December 23, 2005, after suffering a broken femur. He was taken to Presbyterian Hospital on December 28, 2005 and died two days later. What happened in five days?
Mr. Gerhardt was allowed to lie on a bedpan for more than twenty-four hours on Christmas Day 2005. He laid on the bedpan so long that a horseshoe shape was seen on his posterior. The bedpan was on his back so long that it caused lesions that led to sepsis.
A state investigation revealed that the facility was "seriously" understaffed on Christmas Day. The lack of staffing led to the failure of the facility's safety checks and patient care required by the facility's own policies. Laurel Canyon faced charges of abuse of a resident resulting in substantial pain or incapacitation and neglect.
The case was prosecuted by the New Mexico Attorney General's Office as a Medicaid fraud on the premise that the facility received payment for services not rendered to Gerhardt. As the facility was found guilty and corporations cannot be incarcerated, the Judge will determine the facility's fine at sentencing.
