MDH: Plateau Healthcare Nurse Negligent in Patient’s Death

The Minnesota Department of Health found that a former Plateau Healthcare nurse failed to monitor a patient properly before his death. The alleged neglect occurred in October of 2017 at the Brooklyn Center facility at 6424 June Ave. N. The Minnesota Department of Health recently concluded its investigation.

According to the report, the nurse failed to monitor a ventilator that stopped working during overnight hours. The ventilator had a “critically low battery” but it was never plugged in. The machine eventually shut off. Staff found the client unresponsive the next morning.

The MDH report states that the Plateau Healthcare nurse “failed to follow the client’s care plan, assess the client, or provide services that were essential to the client’s health.” The client needed respiratory support 24 hours a day. Physician orders required nurses to check the ventilator every four hours. The report also states the nurse documented completing checkups that were not actually done.

A police report said the nurse told police that the last time the client was checked on was 11 p.m. At around 6 a.m. is when the nurse discovered the client was unresponsive, the report said.

Plateau Healthcare President Statement

First of all, I cannot tell you how sorry I am that this happened. Here at Plateau Healthcare, we strive to provide the highest quality care to our home care clients and are proud to serve them.  We want our clients and their families to have peace of mind that they are receiving quality care in a compassionate and caring environment.

It is important to note that the finding of neglect made by the Office of Health Facility Complaints was solely against the individual nurse, not against Plateau Healthcare.  Plateau Healthcare–nor any other organization–cannot control the actions or decisions of an individual. There was a care plan in place that this individual did not follow. It should also be noted that the nurse against whom the neglect finding was made is no longer working with Plateau Healthcare.
 
Immediately following the incident, we conducted a detailed investigation into what happened and took action accordingly.  In response to a correction order recently issued by the Minnesota Department of Health in connection with the OHFC investigation, we are again reviewing our processes and will make changes where needed.  We are also evaluating our options with respect to an appeal of the order.”

Sincerely

Faisale Boukari