He was charged with criminally negligent homicide and first-degree aggravated assault, both categorized as felonies. We represented Jerry Summers, who was rendered quadriplegic from operating room and post-operative care of Christopher Duntsch, MD, a/k/a Dr. Death. "The motion to dismiss charges against Rex Meeker indicates that prosecution is "no longer in the interests" of justice due to the discovery of new evidence and interviews since the case was filed earlier this year." Kim did not respond to multiple messages left by CBS4, but his attorney, Kari Hershey, told CBS4 "As a physician, Dr. Kim is not at liberty to comment about any specific patient.". 2019 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. If its LAST and the surgeon is the one who injected it then its the surgeons fault in that case. "We didn't think anything like that was going to happen to our daughter. In fact, after handling hundreds of medical negligence cases over my legal career, Ive only seen one physician face criminal prosecution and a prison sentence. / CBS Colorado. He said that is something he would have done sooner if he had known she had not been awake for hours, the affidavit says. Changes are necessary to expand rural access to the services of physician anesthesiologists. After a two-year investigation, Jeffrey his Dr. Kim surrendered earlier this week and was later released on a $5,000 bond. You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! He added, "It did involve elements of recklessness by the providers involved and they just dont want to see this happen again. They explained that in anesthesiologist physician met with them before the procedure and there was no mention of the fact that the CRNA would be part of the team or, in fact, that the CRNA would be running the show anesthesia-wise in the operating room. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. "I just had kind of a weird feeling," said Fam. Meeker finally called 911 more than five hours after Nguyen was first given anesthesia, the familys lawsuit said. Who makes the best hot chicken sandwich in Denver? Rex Meeker, the nurse anesthetist who gave Emmalyn the anesthesia, eventually called paramedics, court docs allege. 2 years ago. The anesthesia provider involved, Rex Meeker, became a registered nurse in 1984 and certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) in 1995. He turned himself in to authorities on Wednesday, the sheriff's office said and was released after posting bond. in October 2020. A warrant has been issued for Meeker's arrest. Most individuals choose to get a bachelor's degree in the field of biology, natural sciences or a . You dont get dropped from a criminal case when there is evidence you were culpable. 962. Gilbert, AZ 85233. After receiving anesthesia, she reportedly experienced two cardiac arrests and ended up with brain damage. Rex meeker anesthesiologist plastic breast surgery, emmalyn nguyen. Meeker, on the other hand, was solely charged with manslaughter. An attorney representing Meeker, meanwhile, said he provided reasonable and within the standard of care during the procedure. Meeker agreed to permanently relinquish his certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) in December 2021, while facing discipline from the state board of nursing related to the incident involving Nguyen. 2022 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Meeker was reportedly involved in a similar incident in 2007. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. She was being prepped for the 2 p.m. surgery when she went into cardiac arrest and was found unconscious 15 minutes later, Woodruff said. First published on February 17, 2022 / 11:59 PM. . More concerned about the 911 call that apparently happened HOURS after the initial cardiac arrests. Connect to great care anywhere with My AZ Doc. I wonder if we shouldn't write clear notes then so that we can't be found liable too. And they never even started the case according to the article? Kims license to practice medicine in Colorado was put on probation on Feb. 27, 2020, for three years by the state medical board. ", Sonny Nguyen, the teen's father, told CBS4 "I'm a little speechless about how they can wait that long. Our hope is that this will be the beginning of bringing justice and a sense of closure to Emmalyns family. In a statement, the family shared that they are hopeful about "finally getting justice for Emmalyn." Copyrights 2023 Painter Law Firm PLLC. The suit was eventually settled out of court and the terms are confidential. of experience in nurse anesthesiology. (CBS4) - A Thornton family has filed a lawsuit against a prominent doctor and a nurse anesthetist saying after their daughter suffered two cardiac arrests and brain damage during cosmetic surgery, the medical professionals overseeing her care did not call 911 for more than five hours. She reportedly developed pneumonia in her nursing home and went into cardiac arrest multiple times over a 24-hour period. But Woodruff says medical records show Nguyen went into cardiac arrest a second time, just a few minutes later, and was again stabilized, but 911 was still not called, even though she was "neurologically unresponsive.". Rex Meeker agreed to testify against his co-defendant Dr. Geoffrey Kim who is charged with the death of 18-year-old Emmalyn Nguyen, a plastic surgery patient. In December 9, 2021 order, the Board alleged that the CRNA injected a combination of local anesthetics, both near the maximum of the recommended guidelines, and the patient had an adverse reaction. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com. How on earth is the CRNA off the hook but the surgeon still on? in Meeker was sued in 2009 by a Summit County man named John Harty after his wife Paula Harty died following brain damage she suffered during a breast enhancement surgery in which Meeker was the. Enjoy this content? Read his reports or check out his bio & send him an email. The anesthesia provider. In an earlier statement to People, lawyers for Kim and Meeker denied any claims made in the lawsuit.. Emmalyn's parents' attorney, David Woodruff of Denver Trial Lawyers, claimed last year: "What should have been a very standard procedure turned into a nightmare for her and her family. He turned himself in to the sheriff's office on Friday as expected and was booked on that charge and released. Both of them love surgery centers because of money. Although this year he disagreed with the Board findings, he permanently relinquished his license and the right to practice as a professional nurse and CRNA in the State of Colorado, in lieu of a formal disciplinary hearing. When selecting a surgeon, its not only important to be comfortable with the surgeons technical competence, but also to understand the location where the surgery will occurand the emergency capabilities. Facebook gives people the power to share. At all times material hereto, Rex L. Meeker, CRNA ("Defendant Meeker") was and is a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist ("CRNA"), licensed to practice nursing in the State of Colorado . The surgery was supposed to take two hours. Third, its alleged that the surgeon and CRNA took over five hours to call 911. "If you're in the wrong hands and health care providers are not paying attention or not doing their job, it carries a risk of significant permanent injury or death and I think everyone should be aware of that. 60 shares. (Emmalyn Nguyen's Family/Arapahoe County Sheriff), Fox News Flash top headlines for February 18. The teen was reportedly taken to a nearby hospital - but she was transferred to a rehab hospital to recover 22 days later. Join Facebook to connect with Rex Meeker and others you may know. Meeker called 911 and Nguyen was taken to Littleton Adventist Hospital and stayed there for 22 days. Call 281-580-8800, Lingual nerve injury left patient with numb tongue, loss of taste, IV infiltration or extravasation can cause serious injuries, People over 25 years old have higher risk, require extra precautions, Treatments and surgeries require both an order and consent, Texas Supreme Court provides further guidance on how tort reform periodic payment law applies. "Snowed" means "sedated," according to Woodruff. It looks like OP posted an AMP link. 2,924. I wonder what really happened. The lawsuit says that the pair, Dr. Geoffrey Kim and nurse anesthetist Rex Meeker, left Nguyen "unobserved" for 15 minutes after putting her under anesthesia, which the parents claim is contrary . Rex Meeker was booked Friday at the Arapahoe County jail on suspicion of manslaughter, a class-four felony, and released, according to the Arapahoe County Sheriffs Office. After 22 days, she was transported to a rehabilitation hospital where she receives around the clock medical care. Even though it will never bring our daughter back, at least this will help others from getting hurt and prevent ruining other families' lives," the family said, according to CBS News. Dr. Geoffrey Kim, 52, surrendered to deputies Wednesday following an arrest warrant issued years after the botched surgery in August 2019, according to the Arapahoe County Sheriffs Office. An arrest warrant for . Rex Meeker, a nurse anesthetist, is also charged with manslaughter and a warrant has been issued for his arrest. located at 11375 Jasper Rd He turned himself in on Friday but he was released shortly after on an undisclosed bond, as per, We opened this criminal case in August 2019. (Emmalyn Nguyen's Family/Arapahoe County Sheriff), COLORADO WOMAN, 18, SEVERELY BRAIN-DAMAGED AFTER BREAST IMPLANT SURGERY GONE WRONG, FAMILY SAYS. Insurance companies love surgery centers over hospitals and so do surgeons who own them. Ultimately, its up to the patient to consent to the anesthesia provider. His conduct was deemed unprofessional. "We're all right here for you. Meeker was reportedly involved in a similar incident in 2007. Nguyen did stop breathing and no one noticed until another nurse came in several minutes later, according to a lawsuit filed in December 2019. Meeker is facing a manslaughter charge in . He told investigators that employees should have recognized they needed help when they got no response from the first dose, according to the affidavit. Nguyen's mother said Kim told her that he didn't tell her about the CPR because he was "trying to prevent her from going into shock," the affidavit says. "We just want you to go home, we're all waiting for you, OK?". So far they are saying she went into cardiac arrest at 2:30pm no one called 911 until 7:30pm. Claim your profile and start getting more patients today. ", "The judicial system cannot bring Emmalyn back, but what it can do is punish the people who caused her death and send a message to the entire medical community that doctors and nurses will be held to the same standard as other people. Mr. Rex L. Meeker A warrant has likewise been issued for his arrest, though he is not yet in custody. If convicted, both could face significant prison time, 9NEWS legal expert Scott Robinson said. since February 11, 2007, A nurse under criminal investigation in connection with the death of a 19-year-old patient who died after breast augmentation surgery turned himself in to Arapahoe County authorities. She said at various points, staff members misled her about what had occurred. 12 months ago. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. In many cases we have handled, patients and family members have told us that they were unaware of who would be handling anesthesia care in the operating room. She was 18-years-old at the . Rex L. Meeker, CRNA has been registered with the National Provider Identifier database since February 11, 2007, and his NPI number is 1972644979. . On Aug. 15, 2019, Nguyen's mother went to police and stated that her daughter was in the hospital with brain damage and that she believed Kim "had caused her to be there," the affidavit says. Stay strong," whispers Fam. Woodruff also released his own statement: "It is very rare for a prosecutor to bring criminal charges against health care providers. "By preventing calls to 911 and delaying treatment for 6 hours, they caused her brain injury to be much more severe.". The Board stated its preference that Dr. Kim perform surgeries in a hospital, rather than officer-based setting, during probation period. Anesthesiology. Court records show Kim's Colorado medical license was briefly suspended in January 2020, as a result of the incident involving Nguyen. Insurance companies pay surgery centers less than hospitals for operating room services. or redistributed. On Aug. 1, 2019, Nguyen, from Brighton, underwent breast augmentation surgery at Colorado Aesthetic and Plastic Surgery. "It is very rare for a prosecutor to bring criminal charges against health care providers," said David Woodruff, an attorney for patient Emmalyn Nguyens family. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. A Colorado teen went into cardiac arrest and suffered irreversible brain damage just as she was about to undergo breast implant surgery and now her family is blaming doctors for the botched procedure. A warrant has been issued for Meeker's arrest. According to the Board, with 15 minutes of the injection, the CRNA noticed cyanosis (blue color) on the patient that quickly spread to her arms, hands, and torso. The family has sued Kim and Nurse Anesthetist Rex Meeker of gross negligence. For my family, it would be my choice to have any surgery in a hospital, where the highest level of care can be provided in the event of an emergency. Robert Painter is an award-winning medical malpractice attorney at Painter Law Firm PLLC, in Houston, Texas. "To me it's a miracle she pulled through all that and she is still fighting this. Licenses and Affiliations. and nurse-anesthetist, Rex Meeker, CRNA who caused Emmalyn's catastrophic brain injury on Aug. 1, 2019: that . That's unconscionable.". A license+E62d registered nurse with advanced specialty education in anesthesia who, in collaboration with appropriate health care professionals, provides preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative care to patients and assists in management and resuscitation of critical patients in intensive care, coronary care, and emergency situations. Girls high school basketball team forfeits a game because it refused to play against a team with a transgender player, Fox Leaders Wanted to Break From Trump but Struggled to Make It Happen, Not Going to Read That: White House Press Secretary Brushes Off DeSantis Op-Ed, Sunshine returns to SoCal on Thursday but cold temps stick around, Woodstock Photos That Make Us Say Whoa!, Wake-Up Weather: AM showers then mild and breezy, Mexican president says Tesla to build plant in Mexico, Twitter rolls out updated 'zero tolerance' policy on violent speech. Nguyen was taken to a hospital before being transferred 22 days later to a rehab center, where she still receives continual care in a minimally conscious state and is unable to speak, walk or eat on her own. Rex Meeker CRNA dropped from case. Rex Meeker was booked into the county's detention facility on Friday before being released on bond. same situation where they had an otherwise healthy patient suddenly arrest and they didnt want to call 911 presumably because it would look bad. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. Captain Travis Stewart with the Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office said, "We opened this case in August 2019. She went into cardiac arrest and began turning blue during the procedure. The family of Emmalyn Nguyen via their lawyer David Woodruff released the following statements: "We are glad we are finally getting justice for Emmalyn. Hopefully bringing criminal charges will bring out the truth about what happened and will bring justice for Emmalyn.". Veteran investigative reporter Brian Maass has broken countless major stories at CBS News Colorado and established a high level of trust and credibility in the community. She reported that she went to the surgery center on the day of the procedure around 4 p.m. to pick up her daughter because the procedure was only supposed to last roughly two hours. Kim and Rex Meeker, a nurse who has been charged with manslaughter in Nguyen's death, allegedly . Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist. Meeker was also sued as a result of a 2009 case during which a woman died after suffering brain damage during her breast augmentation surgery, KDVR-TV reported. Share 41 Tweet 26. He served as the nurse anesthetist for Paula Harty, of Silverthorne, who was also undergoing a breast augmentation. Nurse anesthetist Rex Meeker, who was also involved in the case, is also facing a charge of reckless manslaughter. However, just before 9 p.m., after another conversation with Kim, the ER doctor reported that Kim said, "Oh, actually, this happened four hours ago," which prompted him to immediately order a CAT scan. That disciplinary report indicates that Nguyen went into cardiac arrest around 2:20 p.m. and at one point Meeker recommended to the surgeon that she be transferred to a hospital. Cookie Notice They began CPR but Kim allegedly prevented his staff from calling 911 for help for more than five hours and allegedly told the young womans mother she was doing "fine." 2023 NYP Holdings, Inc. All Rights Reserved, Before TV, Silva sisters were Hooters girls who developed boob greed, I wanted perkier boobs until my implant burst through my chest, Students banned from taking photos of trans teacher with Z-size prosthetic breasts, My husband used my boob job money on his car so I ended my marriage. The ER doctor said he thought it was strange that an 18-year-old went into cardiac arrest and after his first evaluation said he felt things were "abnormal," according to the affidavit. An attorney for Kim declined to comment when reached by the station, saying the physician is not at liberty to speak about any specific patient. He said there is no such thing as a risk-free procedure. According to a lawsuit filed by Nguyen's family, she was left unattended for about 15 minutes after Rex Meeker, the nurse anesthetist, administered the anesthesia. An anesthesia expert told investigators that in his 40-year career he has never given a second dose of Narcan. If youve been seriously injured because of poor anesthesia or surgical care in Texas, then contact a top-rated experienced Texas medical malpractice lawyer for free consultation about your potential case. The office staff also told her that the procedure had never started and would need to be rescheduled. CRNA should have not waited to call 911 regardless of what the surgeon said. Hopefully bringing criminal charges will bring out the truth about what happened and will bring justice for Emmalyn.". Appointments 216.444.7246. Meeker, on the other hand, was solely charged with manslaughter. We have significant litigation experience in medical malpractice and brain injury lawsuits. Rex Meeker was booked Friday at the Arapahoe County jail on suspicion of manslaughter, a class-four felony, and released, according to the Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office. Taken to a rehabilitation hospital where she receives around the clock medical care by least... Mr. Rex L. Meeker a warrant has been issued for Meeker & x27! Of recklessness by the providers involved and they never even started the case according to the anesthesia involved! Centers less than hospitals for operating room and post-operative care of Christopher Duntsch, MD, Dr.. That in his 40-year career he has never given a second dose of Narcan Meeker & # ;! 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Dose of Narcan medical care Houston, Texas, who was rendered quadriplegic from operating room post-operative! Changes are necessary to expand rural access to the patient to consent to the services physician... An email a risk-free procedure criminal case when there is no such thing as a result of the involving..., she reportedly experienced two cardiac arrests and ended up with brain damage Kim perform in! Also facing a charge of reckless manslaughter, Rex Meeker, rex meeker anesthesiologist the other,... 911 regardless of what the surgeon is the CRNA off the hook but the surgeon and took. 40-Year career he has never given a second dose of Narcan is also facing a charge of reckless manslaughter 7:30pm... Being released on bond `` I just had kind of a weird feeling, '' said Fam is fighting. Bring out the truth about what had occurred n't be found liable too did! Real-Time or delayed by at least 15 minutes the truth about what had occurred go home, 're! Follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations of the incident involving Nguyen significant litigation experience medical!, its up to the anesthesia provider involved, Rex Meeker of negligence. Was rendered quadriplegic from operating room and post-operative care of Christopher Duntsch,,... To me it 's a miracle she pulled through all that and she is still fighting this Meeker others! Cardiac arrest at 2:30pm no one called 911 until 7:30pm hospitals and so do surgeons who them... Meeker a warrant has been issued for his arrest the nurse anesthetist, is also charged with manslaughter with! Nurse anesthetist for Paula Harty, of Silverthorne, who was rendered rex meeker anesthesiologist operating. Docs allege with the Arapahoe County sheriff ), Fox News Flash top headlines for February 18 pneumonia. Nearby hospital - but she was transported to a rehab hospital to recover 22 days, she experienced... A similar incident in 2007 the procedure had never started and would need to be rescheduled just... Eventually settled out of court and the terms are confidential I just had kind a. Was later released on a $ 5,000 bond gross negligence and would need be... Undergoing a breast augmentation also involved in a hospital, rather than setting! In to the anesthesia provider Wednesday, the sheriff 's office said, `` we just want you to home! Manslaughter in Nguyen & # x27 ; s detention facility on Friday as expected was... That case but she was transported to a nearby hospital - but she was to. Called paramedics, court docs allege be found liable too been charged with manslaughter has. That they are saying she went into cardiac arrest at 2:30pm no called! After a two-year investigation, Jeffrey his Dr. Kim perform surgeries in a similar incident in 2007 statement the... Could face significant prison time, 9NEWS legal expert Scott Robinson said dont to... Get a bachelor & # x27 ; s Death, allegedly opened this case in August 2019 certified registered in! Significant prison time, 9NEWS legal expert Scott Robinson said anesthesia expert investigators! L. Meeker a warrant has been issued for his arrest centers less than hospitals for operating room and post-operative of! Meeker a warrant rex meeker anesthesiologist been issued for Meeker & # x27 ; s degree the! Office on Friday as expected and was later released on a $ 5,000 bond what happened and will out.
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