Utica nurse arrested for failing to report a patient’s high-risk health condition

UTICA, N.Y. — A Utica licensed practical nurse is under arrest for allegedly failing to report panic-high potassium levels appearing in a patient’s laboratory-test results.

New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman announced the arrest and arraignment of Robert Hartnett, 57, in a news release Tuesday.

The criminal complaint alleges that Hartnett “failed to follow protocol” in not reporting the lab results to a doctor or a nursing supervisor, putting the patient’s health “at serious risk,” Schneiderman’s office said in the news release.

Schneiderman’s office charged Hartnett with endangering the welfare of an incompetent or physically disabled person in the second degree and willful violation of health laws.

The accused pleaded not guilty during his arraignment in Utica City Court before Judge Ralph Eannace, Jr. released him on his own recognizance.

“Every New Yorker deserves the peace of mind that their loved ones are receiving appropriate care in nursing facilities across our state, and my office will hold people accountable when they fail to meet their obligations,” Schneiderman said in the release. “Elderly patients are often at high risk and it is important that proper protocols are followed to keep people safe.”

The charges stem from an alleged incident on March 10, 2014 at Heritage Health Care Center in Utica, Schneiderman’s office said.

As a result of Hartnett’s alleged failure to follow the nursing home’s notification policy, the facility gave the resident an additional ordered dose of potassium.

Panic-high potassium levels can cause arrhythmia and also cause the heart to stop, according to Schneiderman’s office.

The facility’s staff had to provide the patient another medication to lower his potassium level.

Hartnett began working at Heritage Health Care Center in July 2013 and faces a maximum of one year in jail if found guilty, according to Schneiderman’s office.