A Bakersfield, Calif.-based gastroenterologist has been placed on five years of probation for mistakenly administering treatment intended for another patient to a 67-year-old COVID-19 patient, resulting in the patient’s death, Fox 8 News reported April 17.
What happened?
- In September 2020, during a peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, Rajeev Manu, MD, ordered a PEG tube placement and EGD for a patient who was not supposed to receive the procedures. The patient, suffering from severe COVID-19 pneumonia, went into hemorrhagic shock and later died of multiple organ failure.
- Dr. Manu’s attorney attributed the error to pandemic-related resource shortages and systemic issues, not solely individual negligence.
- The Medical Board of California cited Dr. Manu for gross negligence, repeated negligent acts and unprofessional conduct. His license revocation was stayed, allowing him to continue practicing under strict conditions.
What’s next?
- As part of the settlement, Dr. Manu must complete continuing education in ethics and medical record keeping, undergo medical and psychiatric evaluations, and is prohibited from supervising physician assistants or advanced practice nurses.
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