Trio Alleged to have Contributed to Deaths of Eldelry Patients (USA)

Former SNF pharmacist takes plea deal

August 21, 2009

By Cathy Perfect
Kern Valley Sun

Debbi Gayle Hayes, the former pharmacist at the Kern Valley Healthcare District's Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF), agreed on Aug. 14 to testify against two former co-workers.

Hayes, along with Nursing Director Gwen D. Hughes and Dr. Hoshang M. Pormir, who was in charge of the SNF, were charged with over medicating SNF patients, resulting in three deaths. The trio were arrested in February on charges of elder abuse and causing harm or death.

Hayes was facing eight counts of causing harm/death of elder /dependent adult and two counts of assault with a deadly weapon other than firearm or great bodily force. In the plea deal, the 10 counts were dismissed and Hayes pleaded no contest to one count of conspiracy to obstruct justice. She was sentenced to three years probation and one year in jail, but the jail sentence won't be imposed if she cooperates truthfully in the case and completes her probation with no further problems.

Hughes' and Pormir's cases were continued until Sept. 8 when further hearings will be scheduled.

The California Attorney General's Office alleged the trio played a role in drugging at least 22 elderly residents with mood-altering medications to quiet and control them. Those drugs led to three deaths, the state alleged.

SOURCE: The Kern Valley Sun

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