The latest news stories of interest in the Rogue Valley and the state of Oregon from the digital home of Southern Oregon, Wynne Broadcasting’s RogueValleyMagazine.com
Friday, January 12, 2024
Rogue Valley Weather
Asante Settled Medicare Fraud Allegations at Medford Hospital
The health system now at the center of a local police investigation recently resolved a lengthy federal probe into a whistleblower lawsuit claiming fraudulent billing
The Medford hospital now at the center of a local police investigation recently resolved a lengthy federal probe into a whistleblower lawsuit claiming fraudulent billing
Weeks before local police launched an investigation into reports of alleged drug diversion and potentially related patient deaths at Asante Rogue Medical Center, hospital management quietly settled litigation stemming from a federal Medicare fraud probe.
The probe, which has not been previously reported, was seemingly unrelated to the new investigation. It was based on a whistleblower lawsuit filed by one of the hospital’s own doctors that accused management at the Medford hospital of ignoring billing fraud. Instead, the suit claimed, management targeted the doctor who reported it.
According to the suit, the Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the allegations contained in the lawsuit that was secretly filed under seal in 2021. Court records showed that after investigating, the federal government joined the whistleblower’s suit to recoup funds.
U.S. District Judge Michael McShane in October approved a settlement to which Asante and the doctor accused of overbilling, Dr. Charles Carmeci, collectively agreed. The judge’s order approving the settlement partially unsealed documents in the case.
Court records did not detail any dollar amounts in the settlement, and the Oregon U.S. Attorney’s office has not yet responded to requests for the information. A formal request from The Lund Report under the Freedom of Information Act is pending.
In the suit, Dr. Nicholas Engstrom, a cardiothoracic surgeon who worked at the Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center in Medford, claimed his then coworker, Carmeci, billed government health programs for procedures he didn’t do and performed unnecessary procedures to boost his compensation.
No criminal charges have resulted from the claims and the federal investigation.
Carmeci did not respond to requests for comment. Engstrom’s attorney, Jennifer Middleton, declined to comment.
Contacted about the lawsuit, a spokesperson for Asante, Lauren Van Sickle, wrote in an email that health system leadership “will not be commenting.”
In 2022, the hospital received 57% of its revenue from government programs including Medicare and Medicaid, or $642 million in all, according to the most recent financial report submitted to state regulators. (READ MORE)
Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center Patient Deaths Investigations Continue
Reports that a nurse at Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center may have sparked fatal infections of patients by replacing fentanyl with tap water in their IV bags have sparked national attention.
For patients, the victims’ relatives, and others in Oregon health care, the reports are sparking questions as well. It now appears that the deaths linked to the Medford hospital occurred over a span of at least 12 months.
Hospital administrators and local law enforcement have not named the suspected employee and released few other details. No indictments have been filed publicly in the case.
Hospital Nurse at Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center in Medford Accused of Replacing Fentanyl with Tap Water Leading to at least 10 Patient Deaths and “Dozens of Patients” Harmed
The Federal Bureau of Investigation says it is involved with an investigation at Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center in Medford. The FBI said it’s aware of allegations there under investigation by local police.
This after some sources say as many as ten people have died. Multiple hospital sources, who declined to be identified, confirmed dozens of patients injured by medication diversion — the act of replacing a medication with another substance. It is believed the fentanyl scheduled to be administered to the patients was then removed from the premises illegally.
Sources allege that a hospital nurse was removing fentanyl from IV bags and replacing it with tap water. The FBI said today it is supporting local police with their work.
Asante issued a statement during the weekend that, “We were distressed to learn of this issue. We reported it to law enforcement and are working closely with them.”
Multiple sources also say that water supplies in the Intensive Care Unit and Coronary Care Unit — which are in an older part of the hospital — are unsafe for use on patients, even for face washing. The hospital made numerous public statements during 2023 pertaining to infections and water quality issues.
OHA state agency is part of an investigation now at a Medford hospital, where local and federal law enforcement agencies are investigating allegations of nursing behavior that could have been deadly.
Oregon Health Authority (OHA) says today it’s “aware of reports of incidents at Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center in Medford involving a nurse alleged to have tampered with pharmaceutical fentanyl used to treat severe pain and introduced tap water in patients’ intravenous lines. OHA also is investigating reports that the incidents led to health care-associated infections that severely injured, and may have caused the deaths of, several patients.”
OHA has a Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAI) Program that, “conducts HAI surveillance in Oregon health care facilities,” working with partners including health care facilities to respond to and contain potential HAI outbreaks.
Sources say the nurse used tap water to cover up the hospital’s misuse of medication. Unnamed hospital sources said “dozens of patients” had been harmed by the replacement of their meds with another substance.
Medford Police have provided no more details. They only confirmed there’s an open investigation at the medical center.
Be alert for landslides across southern and western Oregon
Medford, OR—The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for portions of south-central Oregon, including the south-central Oregon coast. The watch is in effect from Saturday evening to late Monday evening.
Abundant moisture will arrive with the next storm system coming in Friday night through Saturday night. Heavy rain may result in landslides in areas of steep terrain, as well as debris flows in and near burned areas from recent wildfires.
Find the latest information here: https://alerts.weather.gov/cap/or.php?x=1
Debris flows are rapidly moving, extremely destructive landslides. They can contain boulders and logs transported in a fast-moving soil and water slurry down steep hillsides and through narrow canyons. They can easily travel a mile or more. A debris flow moves faster than a person can run. People, structures, and roads located below steep slopes in canyons and near the mouths of canyons may be at serious risk.
If your home, work, or route is in a watch area:
- Stay alert. Track the flood watch by radio, TV, weather radio or online. If told to evacuate, do so immediately.
- Listen. Unusual sounds might indicate moving debris, such as trees cracking or boulders knocking together. A trickle of falling mud or debris may precede larger landslides. If you think there is danger of a landslide, leave immediately.
- Watch the water. If water in a stream or creek suddenly turns muddy or the amount of water flowing suddenly decreases or increases, this is a warning that the flow has been affected upstream. You should immediately leave the area because a debris flow may soon be coming downstream.
- Travel with extreme caution. Assume roads are not safe. Be alert when driving, especially at night. Embankments along roadsides may fail, sending rock and debris onto the road.
For more landslide and debris flow information:
https://www.oregon.gov/dogami/landslide/Pages/debrisflow.aspx
Jackson County Sheriff’s Office Search & Rescue Gearing Up for Winter Storms
Download Video of Search and Rescue in Snow: https://vimeo.com/890446145?share=copy
SOUTHERN OREGON – Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) Search and Rescue (SAR) is gearing up for a winter storm tonight, bringing the potential for heavy mountain snow and strong winds. The National Weather Service Medford has issued multiple winter storm warnings for Tuesday night through Wednesday morning. NWS Medford is calling for heavy mountain snow and strong winds brining frequent whiteout conditions. Snow levels will lower from 3000 to 200 ft. overnight. Snow may even accumulate on Rogue Valley floors during the storm.
As always, human safety is our #1 priority. We take the risk to SAR personnel into consideration during every mission, and this storm brings the considerable danger of heavy snow and fallen trees, which could further delay response times.
BE PREPARED: If you are venturing into the mountains during winter be prepared to self-rescue in the event SAR response is delayed. Make sure you have chains, warm clothes, a shovel, and a fully charged cell phone. Check the weather forecast before leaving as conditions may change quickly. Always notify someone of your travel plans, when you are expected to return, and when/where they should notify authorities to start searching.
SHARE MY TRIP: To best notify SAR of your potential location during a rescue, JCSO offers the Sheriff’s App “Share My Trip” feature. JCSO developed this feature with the understanding that response time is crucial in search and rescue operations. The information you provide in this form will help our Search and Rescue personnel make more informed decisions which will result in quicker, more effective responses. Download the App here: https://apps.myocv.com/share/a72997501.
MISSING PERSON – ATTEMPT TO LOCATE
CASE:24-00114
NAME: PAIGE F. LEIGHTON
AGE: 33
SEX: FEMALE
RACE: WHITE
HEIGHT: 5’6″
WEIGHT: 190LBS
HAIR: BROWN (BLONDE IN THE PICTURE PROVIDED)
EYES: BLUE
INFORMATION:
Paige F. Leighton was last contacted by family members on December 1st, 2023. Leighton was homeless in the Merlin area prior to going missing. Leighton is believed to be either in the Southern Oregon or San Francisco area.
PLEASE CONTACT THE JOSEPHINE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE WITH ANY INFORMATION 541-474-5123.
5 things to know about Medford hospital employee’s alleged fentanyl diversion
PART 2 – Newsweek Podcast Focusing on The Disappearance of Fauna Frey From Lane County
Here One Minute, Gone the Next —– PART 2 – Josephine County Sheriff Dave Daniel joins investigative journalist Alex Rogue to speak with Here One Minute, Gone the Next about the disappearance of Fauna Frey, the growing friction between citizen investigators and law enforcement, and the lack of resources in missing persons cases. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-disappearance-of-fauna-frey-pt2-feat-sheriff/id1707094441?i=1000630100040
PART 1 – John Frey joins Newsweek to discuss exclusive details about the case of his missing daughter that until now have been unavailable to the general public.
If you have any information on the whereabouts of Fauna Frey, call the anonymous tip line at 541-539-5638 or email FindFaunaFrey@gmail.com.
Help Find Fauna Frey #FindFaunaFrey FACEBOOK GROUP
The Pacific Northwest is expected to see freezing temperatures and maybe even lowland snow this weekend as part of the polar vortex blasts southward from the Arctic.
Watches, Warnings or Advisories for Oregon https://alerts.weather.gov/cap/or.php?x=1
A winter storm is arriving this week and many mountain passes are expecting substantial snow. The Oregon Department of Transportation said it will be fully staffed in preparation for the weather.
With nearly 4 feet of snow expected in the Cascades between now and Saturday and temperatures possibly 10 to 18 degrees below average, travel could be tricky. TRACK WEATHER HERE and HERE
Another tip for drivers is to make sure phones are charged before leaving. Drivers can also check the ODOT website, TripCheck , which has the most current road conditions and closures for Oregon.
Umpqua Bank’s Warm Hearts Winter Drive Raises $365,000 for Shelters and Nonprofits That Help Those in Need
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LAKE OSWEGO, Ore., (January 11, 2023) ― Umpqua Bank today announced that its Warm Hearts Winter Drive successfully raised $365,000 this holiday season and received winter clothing donations from customers, associates, and members of the community to benefit those individuals and families who struggle with housing and access to other basic resources.
“Our Warm Hearts Winter Drive is all about bringing people together to care for neighbors in need, and this year’s campaign has been a tremendous success,” said David Moore Devine, Umpqua’s Chief Marketing Officer. “Thanks to the passion of our associates and the generosity of individuals and businesses across our footprint, more of our neighbors will have access to shelter and other basic resources to stay safe and healthy during the winter months.”
Started by Columbia Bank before its merger with Umpqua last year, the Warm Hearts Winter Drive has raised a total of roughly $2.5 million for more than 100 shelters and aide organizations across Oregon, Washington, California, Idaho, Nevada and Utah. This year’s campaign received thousands of contributions across the bank’s footprint, including donations from key sponsors Beacon Plumbing & Mechanical and Samuel’s Store, surpassing Umpqua’s goal of raising $300,000 this year by more than 22 percent.
All designated contributions and donations to Umpqua’s Warm Hearts Winter Drive stay in the community where they were raised and directly support local organizations. Among the list of benefiting organizations are the Oregon-based Portland Rescue Mission and Eugene Mission, Tacoma Rescue Mission and Vine Maple Place in Washington, Boise Rescue Mission and Family Promise of Northern Idaho, Sacramento Loaves and Fishes and Tri Counties Community Action Partnership in Northern California, and The Road Home in Utah.
About Umpqua Bank
Umpqua Bank is a subsidiary of Columbia Banking System Inc., (Nasdaq: COLB) and a premier regional bank in the western U.S., with offices in Oregon, Washington, California, Idaho, Nevada, Utah, Arizona and Colorado. With over $50 billion of assets, Umpqua combines the resources, sophistication and expertise of a national bank with a commitment to deliver personalized service at scale. The bank consistently ranks as one of America’s Best Banks (ranked by Forbes) and supports consumers and businesses through a full suite of services, including retail and commercial banking; Small Business Administration lending; institutional and corporate banking; equipment leasing; and wealth management. The bank’s corporate headquarters are located in Lake Oswego, Oregon. Learn more at umpquabank.com.
Oregon Health Authority will Elevate the State’s Medicaid and Behavioral Health Programs as New Divisions
(Salem – January 11, 2024) Oregon’s Behavioral Health and Medicaid programs will become separate divisions in a new organizational structure at the Oregon Health Authority (OHA), which Interim Director David Baden announced in a message to OHA staff today. Medicaid and Behavioral Health have been part of a larger Health Systems Division (HSD) since 2016.
A transition will begin this month. State health officials expect to conclude the process in April 2024. Once the change is completed, the Health Systems Division will be dissolved, and its current shared functions will be allocated to the two new divisions.
The changes will help ensure that OHA can fulfill its mission, eliminate health inequities and tackle the most important challenges facing Oregon communities. The new structure will enable the Medicaid and Behavioral Health divisions to allocate funding and regulate programs in more responsive and effective ways.
Interim Director Baden said, “OHA’s Medicaid and Behavioral Health teams are responsible for some of the highest priority programs and initiatives for our agency. To succeed, Medicaid and Behavioral Health need an organizational structure that enables their teams to be nimbler, and more efficient to meet the expectations of policymakers, partners and the public.”
State health officials said that there will be no reductions in staffing due to the changes.
Oregon’s Medicaid program provides medical, behavioral health and dental coverage to more than 1.4 million income-eligible children and adults in Oregon, through the Oregon Health Plan (OHP). The Medicaid budget is $26.3 billion for the 2023-2025 biennium, which is funded through a combination of federal and state funds (currently, the federal government contributes approximately two-thirds of the funds for Oregon’s Medicaid program). The new Medicaid division will continue to be led by Vivian Levy, the state’s Interim Medicaid Director.
Oregon’s Behavioral Health program funds, regulates and administers mental health and substance use services programs for community members who do not qualify for Medicaid coverage. The 2023-2025 budget for behavioral health is $1.3 billion. Ebony Clarke, the state’s behavioral health director, will continue to lead the new Behavioral Health Division.
Once the transition is complete, current Health Systems Division Interim Director Shawna McDermott will take on a senior role in Medicaid.
Interim Director Baden emphasized that the Medicaid and Behavioral Health divisions will continue to work closely together.
“Medicaid and Behavioral Health programs will stand on their own as separate – but not siloed – OHA divisions,” said Baden. “As we navigate this change, we will sustain and enhance collaboration across Medicaid and Behavioral Health teams to improve equitable care coordination and health outcomes for people across the state. We cannot afford anything less. Nor can the people we serve.”
Oregon Man Pleads Guilty for Role in Conspiracy to Engage in Animal Crushing Resulting in the Torture, Mutilation and Murder of Monkeys
EUGENE, Ore.—An Oregon man pleaded guilty today in federal court for his role in a conspiracy to produce and distribute videos depicting the torture, mutilation and murder of monkeys in exchange for money raised by an online animal abuse group the man administered.
David Christopher Noble, 48, of Prineville, Oregon, pleaded guilty to conspiring to engage in animal crushing and creating and distributing animal crush videos.
According to court documents, from an unknown date no later than January 19, 2022, and continuing until February 2, 2023, Noble conspired with others in the District of Oregon and elsewhere to send multiple online payments to co-conspirators overseas to fund the production of videos depicting the torture, mutilation and murder of monkeys. In furtherance of the conspiracy, Noble administered an online group wherein members would raise funds to produce, discuss ideas for, and share animal abuse videos.
In 2006, Noble, a former United States Air Force Officer, was dismissed from the Air Force and ordered to serve six months in military custody following a court martial for fraud and an unprofessional relationship. In early February 2023, following the investigation in this case, investigators executed a search warrant on Noble’s residence and found approximately 50 videos depicting animal abuse, along with several firearms and ammunition.
On May 18, 2023, a federal grand jury in Eugene returned an indictment charging Noble with conspiring to engage in animal crushing and creating and distributing animal crush videos, creating animal crush videos, and illegally possessing a firearm as a dishonorably discharged person.
After his home was searched, Noble relocated from Prineville to Henderson, Nevada, and, on June 13, 2023, was arrested in Henderson. The next day, he made his first appearance in federal court in Las Vegas and was ordered detained pending his transfer to Oregon. On July 21, 2023, after arriving in Oregon, Noble was again ordered detained based on the nature of his offenses, including the extreme violence associated, and his possession of firearms.
For his role in the conspiracy, Noble faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years’ supervised release. He will be sentenced on April 24, 2024.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). It is being prosecuted by William M. McLaren and Adam E. Delph, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Oregon.
Juvenile Taken Into Custody After Klamath Union High School Threat
Klamath Falls City police responded to a major threat online made by a 16 year old at Klamath Union High School yesterday. The threat, posted on Snapchat, mentioned the use of a firearm and violence at the school dated January 11th.
KFPD uniformed officers and detectives spent the better part of the day at the facility. The proper computer forensic investigation was done and the person that allegedly posted it was taken into custody and is lodged at the Klamath
County Detention Center for juveniles.
The KFPD said in a press release that they do not take lightly any threats to any students in school and will be diligent in response to such cases.
Red Cross: Emergency blood shortage may delay medical procedures — American Red Cross – Cascades Region
Donors urged to give now as nation faces lowest number of blood donors in decades —- Donors have the chance to help save lives, win trip to Super Bowl LVIII
The American Red Cross is experiencing an emergency blood shortage as the nation faces the lowest number of people giving blood in 20 years. The Red Cross blood supply has fallen to critically low levels across the country, and blood and platelet donors are urged to make a donation appointment to help alleviate the shortage and help ensure lifesaving medical procedures are not put on hold.
Over the last 20 years, the number of people donating blood to the Red Cross has fallen by about 40%. When fewer people donate blood, even small disruptions to blood donations – such as the nearly 7,000-unit shortfall in blood donations the Red Cross experienced between Christmas and New Year’s Day alone – can have a huge impact on the availability of blood products and dramatic consequences for those in need of emergency blood transfusion. Blood products are currently going to hospitals faster than blood donations are coming in, and in recent weeks, the Red Cross has had to limit distributions of type O blood products – among the most transfused blood types – to hospitals.
“Small changes in blood donor turnout can have a huge impact on the availability of blood products and dramatic consequences for those in need of an emergency blood transfusion,” said Dr. Eric Gehrie, executive physician director for the Red Cross. “More challenges may lie ahead as the potential for severe winter weather and seasonal illness may compound the dire blood supply situation. Donors of all types – especially those with type O blood and those giving platelets – are urged to give now.”
Don’t wait – to make an appointment, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
The Red Cross and the National Football League (NFL) are partnering this January, during National Blood Donor Month, to urge individuals to give blood or platelets and help tackle the emergency blood shortage. Those who come to give blood, platelets or plasma in January will automatically be entered for a chance to win a trip for two to Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas. For details, visit RedCrossBlood.org/Super Bowl.
Who donations help
Sandy Thornton, of Dallas, Oregon, knows firsthand how important a readily available blood and platelet supply is. Sandy battled a rare form of cancer called Myelodysplastic Syndrome and Myleo Fibrosis. She received numerous blood and platelet transfusions until eventually needing a stem cell transplant.
“There are people who cannot get a stem cell transplant, which means they face a lifetime of platelet or blood transfusions. That’s their life. Blood is a lifesaver no matter how you look at it. It’s not just about when disasters happen, it’s when people get sick,” shares Sandy.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood and is the primary blood supplier to 65 hospitals throughout Washington and Oregon; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.
Bureau of Land Management fee-free day recognizes the Birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
The new year is upon us! Welcome 2024 with a fee-free visit to your public lands. The Bureau of Land Management is waiving recreation standard amenity and day-use fees on Jan. 15, in honor of the Birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day takes place on the third Monday in January and recognizes Dr. King’s service and leadership in the civil rights movement.
“For Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and every day, we are committed to make public lands access more equitable for all,” said Barry Bushue, BLM Oregon-Washington State Director.
Within Oregon and Washington, most access to recreate on BLM OR/WA public lands is free. The BLM’s standard amenity day-use fees will be waived at the following locations:
- Alsea Falls Recreation Site
- Hyatt Lake Recreation Area
- Gerber Recreation Area
- Sandy Ridge Trail System
- Shotgun Creek Recreation Site
- Spring Recreation Site
- Wildwood Recreation Site
- Yakima River Canyon
- Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area
The standard amenity fee waiver does not apply to any expanded amenity fees for overnight camping, group day-use, cabin rentals, or individual Special Recreation Permit fees along permitted rivers. Please contact your local BLM office with questions about a recreation site you are interested in visiting.
Winter weather recreation requires more preparation to stay safe. Check with your local BLM office to learn about current conditions and road closures. Remember to always pack the 10 essentials: navigation tools (map, GPS, personal locator beacon), headlamp, sun protection (sunglasses and sunscreen for snow glare), first aid kit, knife/gear repair kit, fire essentials (fire starter, matches, lighter), shelter (i.e., an emergency survival blanket), extra food, extra water (beyond the minimum expectation), and extra clothes (layers).
This is the first of five fee-free days to encourage recreation opportunities on public lands. Other 2024 fee-free days are June 19 (Juneteenth National Independence Day), July 16 (the BLM’s birthday), September 28 (National Public Lands Day), and November 11 (Veterans Day).
For more information about the BLM’s recreation opportunities, visit https://www.blm.gov/visit. Remember to always Recreate Responsibly and leave your public lands cleaner than you found them by practicing Leave No Trace.
