L.A. Nursing Home Fined $100,000 for Patient Death
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The state has fined a Los Angeles nursing home $100,000 because a patient died after a feeding tube was incorrectly directed into his lungs.
The California Department of Public Health investigation found that an 84-year-old male patient at the Hancock Park Rehabilitation Center had a feeding tube enter his body through his nose in May 2008. The tube was supposed to direct nutrition to his stomach.
The man died 13 days after being transferred to a hospital, with a cause of death listed as respiratory failure due to pneumonia. Officials said the failure to properly place the feeding tube was the cause of death.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Hancock Park spokeswoman Dr. Melody Chatelle says the incident was regrettable but declined further comment because the fine is under appeal.