OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – Two former nurses at the Oklahoma City VA Medical Center were convicted last month for providing false information to investigators regarding the medication they administered before a veteran’s death. The nurses, Nina Nguyen and Andrewe Steven Hansen, both pleaded guilty to lying to a VA investigator about pausing medication prior to the patient’s death.
The incident raised concerns about whether the correct dosage of medication was given to the veteran before their death. The false statements provided by the nurses were an apparent attempt to cover up their actions leading up to the death. Both nurses were indicted by a federal grand jury for making false statements to the Veterans Affairs Police Service and investigators with the VA Office of Inspector General.
Nguyen was sentenced to six months incarceration in a federal prison, followed by one year of supervised release, while Hansen was sentenced to three months with one year of supervised release. The Veterans Affairs Police Service and the VA Office of Inspector General played a crucial role in the investigation of the nurses’ actions.
The Oklahoma City VA Medical Center, part of the VISN 19 network, serves over 63,000 veterans in Oklahoma and north central Texas. With a specialized budget of more than $508 million, the facility offers various programs and services, including mental health intensive case management, compensated work therapy, and animal assisted therapy.
The facility’s pharmacy fills over 1.6 million prescriptions annually and is also known for hosting events such as VA baby showers for expecting veteran families. Furthermore, it was one of only 15 VA medical centers nationwide to receive an exoskeleton robotic device for veterans with spinal cord injuries.
In conclusion, the sentencing of the two former nurses at the Oklahoma City VA Medical Center shed light on the importance of providing accurate information and care to veterans. The case serves as a reminder of the significance of transparency and accountability in the medical profession, especially when dealing with the lives of those who have served their country.