Local Law Firms Home > Nursing Home Abuse News > Tucson Nursing Home Patient Dies After Being Left Outside A Tucson nursing home has been is facing a $500 fine for leaving a wheelchair-bound patient outside in 102-degree heat for over an hour, resulting in his death. State health officials said Sabino Canyon Rehabilitation & Care Center decided to pay the fine for improperly watching over 67-year-old Joe K. Oliver. The amount of the fine is the maximum permitted for a one-time violation of state regulations and rules on a single day under a formula implemented by the Arizona Legislature. Tucson law enforcement officials have said it is doubtful criminal charges will be filed. However, the Arizona Daily Star reports Oliver's family has filed a wrongful-death claim in Pima County Superior Court. The wrongful death lawsuit claims the nursing home of elder abuse, neglect, and wrongful death, such as negligent hiring. A call to Sabino Canyon Rehabilitation & Care Center attempting to receive a comment on the fine and Oliver's claim and more background details on the patient wasn't returned right away. A state report has pointed liability at the nursing home for Oliver's death, saying his core temperature was 107 degrees when he got to the hospital. There's no proof Oliver was watched over by nursing home staff while he remained outside on the patio between 1:30 p.m. and 2:45 p.m. on June 18, as listed by state documents. Interviews with different workers revealed that when residents are outdoors, the workers are supposed to check on them ``every five, 15, or 30 minutes.'' Oliver was taken off life support on June 19. An autopsy report revealed Oliver passed away from hyperthermia and classified his death as accidental. The Star said Sabino Canyon Rehabilitation & Care Center employees reached its settlement with the state Aug. 20. According to the Arizona Department of Health Services, the facility has agreed to submit a plan of correction to the state in which the nursing home must describe how it will avoid a recurrence. The for-profit nursing home has 112 beds licensed for individuals on Medicare and Medicaid.
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