Posted On:
August 16, 2009
California Nursing Home Hit With Stiff Fine in Patient Suicide Death
The California Department of Public Health levied a $90,000 fine against Del Rosa Villa after the facility failed to prevent a resident's suicide.
The 52 year-old resident was admitted to the facility on May 22, 2009, just one month after he threw himself in front of a car. He suffered two broken bones in his left leg in that incident. The man had been diagnosed with depressive disorder, schizophrenia, and "suicidal ideation". His June 1, 2009 Care Plan ordered that he was to be on "suicide watch at all times".
One June 11, 2009, the resident was seen exiting the facility's laundry room in his wheelchair to smoke. Approximately twenty minutes later, the man was found outside hanging from a fence with a belt wrapped around his neck. All resuscitation attempts failed.
The California Department of Public Health's investigation found that the facility staff failed to place the man under suicide watch and was a "direct proximate cause of the death of the patient". A licensed vocational nurse at the facility admitted to investigators, "I missed it. I didn't see it."
Elizabeth Tyler, general counsel for Del Rosa Villa, allegedly said, "We serve as a hospital, not as a mental institution." Tyler also admitted that facility staff was aware that the man had attempted suicide at least once prior to his placement at Del Rose Villa.
The Terry Law Firm is experienced in handling cases of nursing home abuse and neglect. Please contact us with any questions or concerns at (888) 317-2525 or visit us on our website at www.nursinghomejustice.com.
