The Oregon Department of Justice announced today that Phyllis Dodds, a Registered Nurse employed at Pacifica Senior Living in Klamath Falls, Oregon, has pleaded guilty to felony Criminal Mistreatment in the First Degree. As part of the plea agreement, Dodds will surrender her Oregon RN license, serve three years of supervised probation, perform 150 hours of community service, and is prohibited from working as a paid caregiver.
The investigation by the Oregon Department of Justice Medicaid Fraud Unit (MFU), in collaboration with the Klamath County Sheriff’s Office and Klamath County Adult Protective Services, revealed that Dodds failed to provide necessary nursing care to three residents. The investigation found significant harm due to a lack of RN assessments and failure to provide basic follow-up medical treatment. Dodds admitted guilt for neglecting an elderly patient by not completing a critical nursing assessment, failing to communicate with staff on scene, and not properly documenting actions taken in January 2022. The patient was found deceased in his bed the following morning.
“Elder abuse in any form is unconscionable and reprehensible. When it rises to this level of criminal mistreatment, it is imperative that we hold offenders accountable,” said Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum. “I commend our Medicaid Fraud Unit and the close cooperation with Klamath County law enforcement and Adult Protective Services in achieving this result.”
The MFU’s newly formed specialty team includes a Senior Assistant Attorney General, an Investigator, and a Nurse Investigator dedicated to investigating and prosecuting abuse and neglect cases statewide. This initiative aligns with recent federal law changes expanding MFU’s authority. Since January 2023, this team has successfully prosecuted six healthcare providers for abuse and neglect of elderly and disabled individuals. Additionally, MFU pursues civil remedies to address systemic neglect.
Over the past decade, MFU has secured over 250 criminal convictions and recovered more than $84 million related to billing fraud by Medicaid providers and abuse/neglect by healthcare providers. For FY 2023, MFU's total funding was $4,097,000; 75% came from a U.S. Department of Human Services grant amounting to $3,072,750 while the remaining $1,024,250 was funded by the State of Oregon.
To report possible Medicaid provider fraud or abuse/neglect cases: email Medicaid.Fraud.Referral@doj.state.or.us or call the Oregon abuse reporting hotline at 1-855-503-SAFE (7233). In emergencies or immediate danger situations call 911.