Medford, OR – Dani Marie Schofield, a former nurse at Asante in Medford, Oregon, is facing serious criminal charges after being accused of replacing fentanyl meant for patients with tap water, leading to infections. The investigation into Schofield began in June after Asante hospital staff raised concerns about an increase in central line infections. According to the Medford Police Department (MPD), Schofield’s actions are suspected to have contributed to the rise in these cases, prompting the arrest.
Schofield is charged with 44 counts of second-degree assault. She has pleaded not guilty to the charges. Her pre-trial hearing, originally scheduled for next week, has been postponed, potentially delaying her trial. Legal experts predict that her criminal trial could take place sometime in 2025, although a specific date has not yet been set.
In addition to the criminal charges, Asante is facing several civil lawsuits related to the allegations against Schofield. The largest of these lawsuits, filed on behalf of affected patients and their families, has grown to more than $300 million in claims. The lawsuits accuse the hospital of failing to prevent the alleged misconduct and of negligence in its oversight of Schofield’s actions.
The case has drawn significant attention, both due to the severity of the allegations and the impact on the affected patients. Asante, a prominent healthcare provider in southern Oregon, is now working to address the legal and reputational fallout from the incident, while Schofield’s legal team prepares for what could be a lengthy trial process.
As the investigation and legal proceedings continue, the case has raised serious questions about the safety protocols in place at healthcare facilities and the potential for systemic issues that may have allowed such actions to go unnoticed for an extended period.