In recent news, Connie Sneed, a 54-year-old nurse from New Albany, Indiana, recently pleaded guilty to acting as a physician’s assistant without a license. Sneed received a suspended sentence and won’t face jail time as long as she abides by the law. She was working at Wedgewood Healthcare Center when her actions gained notoriety from a Facebook post.
Read our story on: Two Licensed Practical Nurses Arrested For Allegedly Neglecting Patients
Patient Passed Away After Oxygen Removal
In her post, Sneed revealed that she asked the COVID-19 patient, James Godfrey, if he wanted her to remove his oxygen mask so he could “fly with the angels.” The 72-year-old patient died hours after his oxygen supply was disconnected. He had been a resident at the nursing home for over a month and had a medical history that included dementia and occasional depression.
Convicted of a Lower Level Felony
Initially charged with practicing medicine without a license, Sneed’s charges were reduced as part of a plea deal. The decision to avoid prison time is based on her belief that she was helping a suffering patient. Additionally, her respectable nursing record, and her acceptance of responsibility is a key factor on this decision. The agreement also spared the victim’s family a lengthy trial.
Nurse’s Actions During the Pandemic
Sneed admitted to removing Godfrey’s oxygen during an interview with state health inspectors. At the time, she was responsible for over 40 COVID-19 patients and had experienced a “terrible” week. She forgot to inform the resident’s physician of his decline, and claimed the patient’s daughter gave her permission to remove the oxygen mask.
Staffing Crisis at Nursing Home
Wedgewood Healthcare Center had the lowest staffing rating from federal regulators before the pandemic, and it remains poorly rated. The facility saw at least 80 residents contract the virus, with 22 deaths. The nursing home and Columbus Regional Hospital settled a wrongful death lawsuit filed by Godfrey’s family, but the terms have not been disclosed.
Investigation into Indiana Nursing Homes
In 2020, an investigation highlighted staffing problems in Indiana nursing homes, with many county hospitals acquiring the homes to access enhanced Medicaid payments. However, the hospitals often diverted funds away from the nursing homes, leaving them under-staffed.
Columbus Regional collected nearly $123 million in enhanced Medicaid nursing home payments between 2013 and 2020, diverting about $55 million to the hospital while facilities like Wedgewood remained among the most poorly staffed in the nation.
Read our story on: $1.4 Million Illicit Scheme Leads Two Nurses To Prison
Nursing Home’s Poor Staffing Conditions Exposed
Wedgewood Healthcare Center’s subpar staffing conditions have been brought into the limelight following Connie Sneed’s case. The facility’s low staffing rating raises questions about the quality of care provided to residents during the pandemic. The nursing home is owned by Columbus Regional Hospital and managed by CommuniCare.
State Health Data Highlights Facility’s Struggles
The pandemic took a heavy toll on the nursing home, as state health data revealed that at least 80 residents contracted COVID-19, with 22 fatalities. Despite the alarming figures, the facility has not made significant improvements in its staffing conditions.
Hospitals Diverting Medicaid Payments
The investigation into Indiana nursing homes discovered that over 20 county hospitals, including Columbus Regional, acquired nursing homes on paper to access enhanced Medicaid payments exclusive to publicly-owned facilities. Rather than using the funds to improve nursing home conditions, the hospitals redirected a significant portion of the money to their own finances.
Public Records Request for Settlement Details
IndyStar has submitted a public records request to obtain a copy of the settlement between the nursing home and Columbus Regional Hospital. Both parties have agreed to maintain the confidentiality of the settlement, including all terms. Sneed’s nursing license has been suspended since May 2021, and she was terminated from her position at Wedgewood on May 6, 2020.
Calls for Change in Nursing Home Operations
The revelations from the investigation into Indiana nursing homes have prompted calls for change in nursing home operations and management. Advocates argue that financial transparency and proper allocation of resources are crucial to ensuring quality care for nursing home residents. Moving forward, it remains to be seen if the state will implement stricter regulations and measures to protect vulnerable residents and improve staffing conditions.
Conclusion
The case of Connie Sneed and the poor nursing staffing conditions at Wedgewood Healthcare Center highlight the urgent need for reform in nursing home operations and management. To protect vulnerable residents and ensure they receive quality care, it is essential for state authorities to implement stricter regulations and measures for appropriate nurse to patient ratio.
Additionally, financial transparency and proper allocation of resources must be prioritized to prevent the mismanagement of Medicaid funds and guarantee adequate staffing levels in nursing homes across Indiana and beyond.