There are two ways to solve any problem — the right way and the wrong way. When someone chooses the right way, the problem either goes away or becomes manageable. If someone chooses the wrong way, the problem may become bigger. And, in some situations, the person who chose the wrong way may end up in hot water. This is especially true when someone is facing allegations of misconduct that put their professional license in jeopardy. For example, a jury in a Texas criminal case found an anesthesiologist guilty of tampering with IV bags at a medical facility after prosecutors claimed he did so shortly after becoming the subject of a disciplinary investigation. 

When it comes to a problem involving a disciplinary board and a professional license, it is always best to obtain skilled legal representation from the start. If you are facing accusations of wrongdoing involving any type of professional license, or are concerned you will be, the Lento Law Firm and its Professional License Defense Team are ready to help. The team knows when licensed professionals find themselves accused of misconduct. An attorney from the Lento Law Firm will answer your questions, explain how your case will proceed, and strive to reach the most favorable outcome. The team is ready to defend you, regardless of your location. Reach out to us at 888-535-3686 or use this online form to get in touch. 

Anesthesiologist Accused of Contaminating IV Bags 

According to prosecutors, Dr. Raynaldo Ortiz, 60, was working at a surgery center in Dallas, Texas, when he injected saline IV bags with various drugs that could cause cardiac emergencies. Video from the medical facility showed Ortiz repeatedly taking IV bags out of a warming bin and then putting them back right before staff took them into operating rooms for use. The patients who received fluids from these bags experienced serious complications, such as extremely high blood pressure, and had to be transported to intensive care units by first responders. Other doctors at the surgery center said medical records revealed that the emergencies took place right after the IV bags were used. 

Between May and August 2022, Ortiz placed a mix of nerve-blocking agents, stimulants, and anesthetics into the bags, prosecutors said. In addition to causing several patients to suffer cardiac incidents, one of the tampered IV bags led to the death of another anesthesiologist who unwittingly used one of the bags to treat herself for dehydration. 

Jury Convicts Ortiz on Multiple Counts 

During the trial, prosecutors presented evidence that Ortiz was facing disciplinary action and the potential loss of his license at the time he added the toxic drugs to the IV bags. The local medical board claimed Ortiz, who had a history of undergoing prior disciplinary actions, had made an error during one of his surgeries. 

The jury found Ortiz guilty of multiple counts of tampering with consumer products and intentional drug adulteration. He faces up to 190 years in prison. 

Retain The Lento Law Firm for Professional License Defense 

If you are concerned about losing your professional license through disciplinary action, the best thing you can do is to call the Lento Law Firm. A member of the Professional License Defense Team can protect your rights while you move through the disciplinary process. No matter where you are in the country, the Lento Law Firm will help you fight for your license and your career. Make the right choice — call the Lento Law Firm at 888-535-3686 to discuss your case, or contact us online to set up a consultation.