MEDFORD, OR — A former intensive care unit nurse accused of diverting fentanyl and substituting non-sterile tap water will face criminal trial in September 2026, according to court proceedings held Monday in Jackson County Circuit Court.
Dani Marie Schofield, 37, appeared before Judge Jeremy Markiewicz for a status hearing where the tentative trial date was established. Schofield faces 44 counts of second-degree assault stemming from her alleged actions while employed at Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center in Medford, as reported by the Rogue Valley Times.
Charges Stem from ICU Drug Diversion
According to the indictment, Schofield allegedly diverted medications from patients in the hospital's intensive care unit during her employment. The charges relate to 44 patients who prosecutors say were harmed when Schofield allegedly replaced prescribed fentanyl with tap water. Sixteen of the 44 patients named in the indictment subsequently died, according to court records.
Civil lawsuits have been filed by patients and families of deceased patients who were notified by the hospital that Schofield's alleged conduct resulted in harm or contributed to death, as reported by local media outlets covering the case.
Jackson County District Attorney Patrick Green indicated during Monday's hearing that the trial could extend up to eight weeks due to the substantial volume of discovery materials involved in the case. Green told the court that recent delays were partially attributed to materials being accessed as part of a Drug Enforcement Administration investigation into the alleged drug diversion at the Medford facility, which has now concluded, according to the Rogue Valley Times.
Criminal Case Timeline
Schofield was arrested in June 2024 and subsequently indicted by the Jackson County Grand Jury on the 44 assault charges. She entered a not guilty plea to all counts and has remained free on pretrial monitoring after posting $400,000 toward a $4 million bail amount set following her arrest.
Under Oregon's Measure 11 law, which established mandatory minimum sentences for certain serious crimes when approved by voters in 1994, Schofield faces a potential sentence of 5 years and 10 months on each count if convicted.
The former nurse left her position at Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center in July 2023. Medford police confirmed an investigation into alleged theft of controlled substances at the hospital on December 31, 2023, six months after Schofield's departure from employment.
A trial readiness hearing has been scheduled for September 8, 2026, according to court officials.
Drug Diversion in Healthcare Settings
Drug diversion in healthcare facilities represents a significant patient safety concern nationwide. Federal regulations require hospitals to maintain strict controls over controlled substances and implement monitoring systems to detect unauthorized access or tampering with medications.
When healthcare workers divert medications intended for patients, they not only deprive patients of necessary pain management and medical treatment but may also expose them to contaminated substitutes. The use of non-sterile tap water in place of prescribed medications can introduce infectious agents and cause serious medical complications.
Healthcare facilities are required to report suspected drug diversion to appropriate authorities, including state licensing boards, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and law enforcement agencies.
Civil Litigation on Hold
Multiple civil lawsuits filed by patients and families affected by the alleged drug diversion remain on hold pending the outcome of the criminal proceedings. Civil cases are typically stayed when parallel criminal cases are pending to avoid potential conflicts with a defendant's Fifth Amendment rights against self-incrimination.
The hospital reportedly notified affected patients and families about potential harm from Schofield's alleged actions, prompting the civil litigation.
Impact on Hospital Operations
The case has raised questions about medication security protocols and oversight procedures at Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center. Healthcare facilities are required to implement multiple safeguards to prevent drug diversion, including automated dispensing systems, surveillance of controlled substance access, and regular audits of medication administration records.
When contacted by media outlets, neither Drug Enforcement Administration officials nor Asante representatives provided comment on the case or the completed federal investigation.
Resources for Families
Families with concerns about care quality or medication administration at healthcare facilities can contact the Oregon State Ombudsman or file complaints with the Oregon Health Authority. For issues involving potential criminal conduct, reports can be made to local law enforcement agencies.
The National Long-Term Care Ombudsman Resource Center provides assistance at 1-800-677-1116. Families can also access resources through the ombudsman website at https://ltcombudsman.org.
Anyone who believes they or a family member may have been affected by medication diversion or substandard care should consult with medical professionals and consider seeking legal counsel to understand their rights and options.
💬 Join the Discussion
Comments are moderated. Please keep discussions respectful and relevant to nursing home care quality.