Thought provoking email from victims of KVHD nursing center disaster: Elder abuse case resumes Dec. 3, 2010

Making it through the grief

I received the email posted below about a week or so ago. It came from one of many families effected by the Kern Valley Healthcare District during the Department of Justice case from 2006 to 2007 regarding the nursing facility's use of chemical restraints.

When I read it over, I thought maybe I'll post it, or "Snope's" it first then post it. I wasn't sure.

I'm simply posting it because I realize there are so many out there still trying to heal from the degradation and in some cases loss of loved ones, and that they are and will be, dealing with grief and anger, amongst other emotions for a long time to come.

The defendants in the KVHD elder abuse criminal case will be back in Kern County Superior Court on Dec. 3, 2010. Former CEO, Pam Ott, former Director of Nursing, Gwen Hughes, who recently filed for bankruptcy and has opted for a public defender, and Dr. Hoshang Pormir, the former Medical Director for the facility, who hired Hollywood legal counsel, Donald Etra.

This is the case opened up by the Department of Justice run by Attorney General Jerry Brown, now Governor-elect, which included a specific topic of chemical restraining as a cause of death in at least three cases. Though I have and continue to believe it is murder, these crimes are known as "elder abuse." Also included are two assault charges regarding a forced injection of the antipsychotic medication known as "Risperdal."

Other issues arose and still plague the hospital today, but as of this time, these are the current defendants.

My best regards go out to all who have suffered needlessly at the hands of the Kern Valley Healthcare District. Here is the email which reminds one of the hypocrisy which surrounds the criminal and civil cases at KVHD.

Jails and Nursing Homes

Here's the way it should be:

Let's put the seniors in jail and the criminals in nursing homes.
This would correct two things in one motion:

Seniors would have access to showers, hobbies and walks.
They would receive unlimited free prescriptions, dental and medical treatment, wheel chairs, etc.

They would receive money instead of having to pay it out.

They would have constant video monitoring, so they would be helped instantly if they fell or needed assistance.

Bedding would be washed twice a week and all clothing would be ironed and returned to them.

A guard would check on them every 20 minutes.

All meals and snacks would be brought to them

They would have family visits in a suite built for that purpose.

They would have access to a library, weight/fitness room, spiritual counseling, a pool and education...and free admission to in-house concerts by nationally recognized entertainment artists.

Simple clothing - ie., shoes, slippers, pj's - and legal aid would be free, upon request.

There would be private, secure rooms provided for all with an outdoor exercise yard complete with gardens.

Each senior would have a P.C., T.V., phone and radio in their room at no cost.
They would receive daily phone calls.

There would be a board of directors to hear any complaints and the ACLU would fight for their rights and protection.

The guards would have a code of conduct to be strictly adhered to, with attorneys available, at no charge to protect the seniors and their families from abuse or neglect.

As for the criminals :
They would receive cold food.
They would be left alone and unsupervised.
They would receive showers once a week.
They would live in tiny rooms, for which they would have to pay $5,000 per month.
They would have no hope of ever getting out.
"Sounds like justice to me!"
(If You agree, pass this on!)

KVHD April 1, 2009 board meeting

The juggernaut of truth rolled into the KVHD cafeteria Wednesday evening, April 1, removing roadblocks of information while illuminating the failure of the board to follow its own policies and procedures to stop the reign of mismanagement as well as flagrant obstruction of justice which occurred during the 2006/2007 nursing center investigations.

The board meeting began with questions from the audience, one of which was a follow up question from the March madness meeting.

A former employee of the skilled nursing center had asked the board of directors to talk to staff about morale and other issues they may have in the nursing center. Each of the directors claimed to have talked to staff. However, there was no elaboration beyond that.

VIDEO: Did they ask?

Not that I need to point out the irony here, but one simple question lead to all of the board members actually saying they went to the skilled nursing facility to talk with staff.

Now, what was the obstacle for the board members to do this when the hospital SNF was under investigation in 2006/2007?

What if they had listened to the employees three years ago and took a stroll into the SNF?

Could there have been intervention and residents could have been kept safe?

Three years ago, board members, Bob and Kay Knight were practically run down by the Director of Nursing in her wheelchair for coming into the SNF during a Christmas party. And, former, CEO, Pam Ott, knew about it and, condoned it. According to the DON, she was told to keep them out.

This was the middle of December and the word was out that the SNF was in trouble.

What or who were the obstacles to keeping the residents and the hospital safe? Read on.

During public comment, I asked the board’s legal counsel, Scott Nave for an update on Dr. Pormir and Debbie Hayes’ legal cases.

Nave could not say much about the criminal case, but said that the two will be in court sometime at the end of the month. I will have exact dates for these court appearances posted so that those who really know what happened can show support by attending the hearings. This doctor and pharmacist need us just like we needed them at one time or another for health reasons. These are families, careers, lives, finances at stake. And these charges are put on the backs of two people who did not work the SNF alone.

(And anyone with further information and evidence about this case and the top management and board, should contact the state elder abuse department.)

Let me put this to you and see if you can see any reasonability: how could the oversight agencies charge Dr. Pormir and Debbi Hayes with elder abuse from Aug. 1, 2006, until January 31 2007, while allowing them to work at the hospital for another two years, into 2009?

If they were indeed a threat to patients, wouldn’t they have been removed immediately, or shortly after?

The only person noted as an immediate threat, was DON, Gwen Hughes. And she went off and got another job and continued working.

The state’s case is based on elder abuse, Penal code section 368(b)(1). So, why did DHS allow them to stay and work for two years before filing charges? Could they have not suspended them first?

That would mean if the state is correct and the doctor and pharmacist are “a threat” to the health and safety of the patients, then DHS is incorrect, wrong for leaving them there, and the charges should be brought against the agency.

Now if DHS is correct that Pormir and Hayes were able to treat patients and function then the state is incorrect to bring these charges against them.

I mean the Attorney General, Jerry Brown and his crew, used fighting words in their press release regarding the indictments. Brown is quoted as saying this is the worst he’s ever seen. Well, it's the worst I've seen too, but we are not seeing the same things.

But apparently mistakes were made at a juncture that was investigated. I have the DHS records for Feb. 2006 survey, and the skilled nursing facility was being run by former CEO, Pam Ott, and former CNO Sharon Brucker. Things were bad then. DHS and CMS sent threatening letters with fines and ability of the unit to accept patients and be compensated. This is the timeline. (See CNO steps down)

DHS cited the administrator Ott for not having an administrator’s license to run the nursing center. They also cited the need for a full time, director of nursing, (DON) as well.

Ott wrote a letter back to DHS stating that the CNO, Sharon Brucker, was in charge of both the acute and the SNF and that she was the interim DON.

Board counsel wrote back that Ott did not need an administrator’s license.

I don’t know what DHS found in Ott’s resume, but it might have been that she was a CEO running a hospital and a skilled nursing facility with only an AA degree and raking in over $140,000 a year.

I called the state licensing office to find out what the regulations are regarding administrators. Well, it is true that a CEO can administrate the nursing center without a license as long as it’s a distinct part of the hospital.

For the fun of it, I asked what it would take to get this license. I was told a BA; 1000 hours of training; passing state and federal exams. (Well, Ott was zero for three.)

Maybe DHS realized or not probably, that she didn’t hold the qualifications really of a CEO even, and that it would be best to keep the SNF covered with a full time DON.

But Ott holds a registered nursing license which is still current and active. However, she did overstate in an email to me that she was a nurse practioner and wanted to help me with my medical problems.

Back to the meeting as Scott Nave prepares to tell the audience about the chain of command. The three procedures adopted by the board, were open policy, grievance and disciplinary.

Open policy, Nave explained is not a substitute for the grievance procedure or sexual harassment issues, but rather an informal dispute process. Employees can go to their department manager, up the chain all the way to the CEO, where the trail of tears ends.

Nave video honest employees honest management

This policy was in place in the fall of 2006 when nurses, staff, took their complaints to the CEO. Not trivial complaints either. The CEO and board members were told by many reliable people about the new DON, the short staffing. But again she was the end of the road in this informal process. And as we see, nothing was done by Ott, other than to say she didn’t know anything until January 2007.

Mr. Nave explained the next rung on the ladder (slippery with grease) was the grievance procedure. This isn’t about outside work issues or personality conflicts. This procedure requires some studying of those employee handbooks as it contains time frames.

Nave said all employees got these handbooks. I’ll stop here to say absolutes such as “everybody” received their handbook, would be like saying everyone working in the hospital had the right qualifications and did all the correct things.

I myself stopped by the hospital for a blood test and found an arbitration agreement in my packet to sign. I asked about it, and was told the agreements would be collected up as it was a mistake.

Since the hospital is not perfect and employees are not perfect, I imagine caught in an emergency situation in the SNF and trying to decide how to proceed would have been difficult.
Regulations on reporting suspected elder abuse, injury or incident are clear that it must be self reported by the facility within 24 hours.

Employees caught in the flack at the end of 2006/7, had to decide what to do based on two laws: the employee manual or the DHS regulations. Some employees instead took it to the board where they were turned away by an angry chairman, Brad Armstrong.

This reaching out tells me there was no satisfaction with supervisors and eventually the CEO herself. She referred to these employees as a “pack of wolves.”

Could these pack of wolves also have used the whistleblower laws which protect the employees from being terminated because of a complaint involving illegal and unsafe practices?

Mr. Nave didn't go over that. Maybe at the next meeting.

Maybe DHS used a clause in the law which says that complaints that are unsubstantiated can constitute harassment. Did Ott tell DHS she and her gang were being set up or harassed by the Knights, the Grosses, the disgruntled employees?

And DHS had received calls and paperwork from nurses on the inside as early as August 2006. Ott, the unlicensed administrator, responded by reporting the failings of the employees to do their jobs noted in the DHS survey records.

So, as Nave is explaining at the board meeting about chain of command and grievance procedures, I’m wondering how does that work if the problem is the CEO. I had originally thought it went straight to the District attorney.

Nave said it would then go to Human Resources, HR.

I asked what if HR is also involved. Then he admitted it would have to be investigated.

Then the bombshell dropped when an audience member followed up the line of questioning of who investigates the CEO and HR.

Nave said that goes to the board. The board of directors who vehemently denied any wrong doing on the part of the CEO or themselves in the matter of the SNF.

They did not investigate her or HR. I don't understand, that's part of the procedure and I thought "everybody" knew that.

VIDEO audience response

All this talk about procedures and you look back that calls went out to DHS- letters were sent - jobs were threatened. Employees went out on stress leave. People were threatened and fired; But not at the top, that's where the spankings stopped.

Where was the board in all of this? Why didn't they investigate Ott and the HR manager or CNO, Sharon Brucker? They stuck with these people and blamed it on the employees; Scapegoating even a dedicated doctor and pharmacist to save their own reputations. Do they even have a conscience?

I wonder if the new board would call for an investigation, retroactive and forensic; but well worth the time. Maybe they could set some things right by doing this. Set things right for the families and residents who trusted the facility, the employees who were harassed or fired, and the community who needs to hear the truth.

This investigation should be paid for by Cal Mtg and Brim Management considering they hired the CEO. And they were the ones who supposedly signed off on her credentials.

Just so the board knows: I say call for an investigation. (big surprise)

The first to take cover as the SNF storm came rolling in, was Sharon Brucker, the CNO, in charge of the acute and nursing center. After employees came to the board in Oct. 2006, and pointed fingers at the CNO, she stepped down and took another position in the hospital. (She’s in quality control now; I feel safe, don't you?)

As the flames moved toward her once untouchable position, Ott stepped down, at the May 4.2007, board meeting and the board allowed her a month to stay on as CEO. She used the month for all it was worth.

On May 5, the day after the resignation, employees began to be fired. Anyone who was a threat, or I should say who knew the truth, was immediately discharged; But not in a nice way.

Former Human Resources Manager, Michelle Rosato, sent the terminated employees to the curb off hospital property with their boxes of personal items in their arms. No notice, a blind strike.

The HR manager gave a rough time to some of the terminated employees by delaying their pay /vacation/sick time/ insurance and pension.

One employee, who was fired, and is listed as a witness in the indictments, called me and told me about her issues with HR. I went over and talked to the HR manager myself. Things didn’t go well, as Rosato seemed to be uninterested in using any compassion or empathy with this woman. I yelled at her and asked her if she enjoyed being cruel. My impression is that she indeed enjoyed what she was doing. (The state may want to reinterview their witnesses)

But once Ott left at the end of May 2007, the HR manager was out the door behind her. She left her position to move on to another job. Too many people knew the truth of what these two top managers were doing.

So, the hospital violated its own personnel policies and procedures when the board did not investigate the CEO and the complaints against her. Whether these complaints complied with a manual or not, the problems could have been halted simply by listening and then acting.

This would mean to me that there was malfeasance, obstruction of justice, and some very blind or malable investigators from the outside.

I don’t think the three sticky board members can claim they knew nothing about what was going on. Especially since Mr. Jamison of QAB radio, brought Ott on his program with him for a final parting shot as the fleeing CEO was on her way out of town.
(The radio show is up and boy is it interesting. I wouldn't want to be a young DA with this witness on my side.)

So, CEO, Pam Ott, CNO, Sharon Brucker, and HR manager Michelle Rosato all left their positions which would have linked them to the direct mismanagement, criminal conduct, obstructing investigators, intimidating employees who told the truth, not following board personnel policies, short staffing, of the skilled nursing facility, and elder abuse.

These are the top three people in the chain of command who ran the hospital and SNF from 2006 to 2007. Two are gone, but not forgotten, yet one remains.

Since Treasurer of the board, Bradley Armstrong, remains silent, and has since May of 2007, during this April fools meeting, I thought I would ask him a question which would fit his hostile recalcitrance.

I told him, it would be best that he keep his vow of silence, as my question to him was a loaded one.

I asked him if he knew that short staffing the nursing center was actually elder abuse. Then I told him if he were to answer that question with a “yes” then he should be in jail.
I explained a “no” answer to that question would mean he shouldn’t be on the board.

VIDEO ARMSTRONG

But that question doesn’t just apply to Mr. Armstrong, it goes down the line to the CFO, Chet Beedle who budgets the departments. The board members, the managers, the employees; anyone who knew there were not enough staff to properly treat the residents is responsible.

Cal Mtg. again casts a shadow over all of this. Don't let them forget.

And considering the board and CFO knew clearly what was happening to the nursing center, they are just as much at fault as the others mentioned.

Short staffing is not unusual at the hospital. If there is not enough staff to cover the acute wing, then patients can’t be admitted. The hospital simply loses business and money.

However, short staffing the skilled nursing facility is a different set of circumstances. That is a home for a static number of patients who require a certain number of staff to properly care for them.

If there’s not enough staff, then they should be moved to another hospital or facility, not under treated. Any hospital administrator worth their salt would know that. Any simply decent person would also know it.

During public comment I asked Chet Beedle, CFO, if he had spoken to Cal Mtg. the insurer that owns our healthcare district and if he had the numbers for the nursing registry which were requested at the March meeting.

VIDEO BEEDLE

Beedle said he had no formal talks with Cal Mtg., but did have those registry figures with him. Chairwoman, Kay Knight, asked if he could give those numbers to the audience. Beedle replied, if you ask me to.

Well she asked and the numbers were exactly what everyone feared and figured.
For 2006, the hospital paid $13,142 for outside staff.
In 2007, they paid $351,004.
2008, they paid $1,386,162.
Year to date in 2009, $881,567

Beedle announced that they have hired on several nurses from the nursing registries. The nursing registry is a temporary agency which sends out staff to hospitals in need and those who can pay those high prices along with expenses and housing.

I asked Beedle if these nurses were coming in at KVHD level pay rates and he said they were. Now I don’t know much about details, but all these nurses dumped their high salaries to work for this hospital in the SNF? Could be true, but I have a hard time believing it since nurses are in shortage, they have many options for employment.

In a meeting in Sept. 2006 with Chet Beedle, Pam Ott, Sharon Brucker, and Michelle Rosato (its on tape) Beedle complained to me (probably illegally) about a certain department manager who wanted his assistant to be paid her worth. Rosato brought me the records for these employees so I could see that they had been given raises years ago and how much. Beedle explained that he cannot allow new employees to be hired at the top rate at the start, because it would be more money than employees who have been with the hospital for many years. The employees would quit and come in at the new rate. (That sounds fair)

However, that particular notion from 3 years ago seemed to go out the window as the nursing registry figures imply. Nurses working for the hospital do not get anywhere near the hourly rates that the traveling staff do.

And now we are to believe that these travelers are working at the starting rate for this hospital? I don’t know, but it doesn’t sound solid.

I could ask for the personnel records and see if this is indeed the case, but apparently that is illegal. So, in 2006, when the gang showed me employee records, it was an illegal act.

As Beedle explained this miracle of the transferring, traveling nurses, he also mentioned that they now have full staffing in the SNF. (Meaning, they didn't before.)

I said, you mean now, and he confirmed that. But went on to imply that there was never any understaffing, they followed the laws.

However, the Department of Health Services records and surveys indicate that was not the case. And employees who worked in the SNF will tell the same story of understaffing, overwork, and inability to maintain proper conditions for the elderly residents.

VIDEO BEEDLE staffing

I would like to thank a somewhat misinformed member of the public for coming to the meeting and asking questions that elicited some information we would not have received without his persistence.

This persons concern was about the contract with Dr. Gross as hospitalist and the addendum to his contract to take over as Medical Director for the skilled nursing facility.

Though his concern was unfounded, because this member of the community didn’t understand that doctors are in high demand and can find better, more profitable positions than we have to offer here.

But what we learned is that Dr. Gross and his group will be taking over as the Medical director of the SNF, formerly held by Dr. Pormir.

As Chet Beedle explained the wages Gross will get for the extra responsibilities, he didn’t even mention Dr. Pormir’s name. He said he’s taking over for the “former” medical director. That former medical director has a name and it was a good one until the mismanagement at the skilled nursing facility.

The audience member was not impressed or happy with the response, then Beedle eked out that other doctors had been asked to take on this position, but only Dr. Gross responded.

UPDATED: Following the trail of Pamela Ott former KVHD CEO/Administrator: Is she on leave at Sierra Kings District?

Update: According to the Reedley Exponent the local newspaper for the area and Sierra Kings District Hospital, said this morning it was confirmed that Pamela Ott was put on leave as of 5 pm last Thursday, right on the heels of charges of elder abuse by the state Department of Justice.

Sierra Kings Board Chairwoman, Trish Johnson, and it was confirmed that Ott is on leave. Lingo doesn't know whether the leave is paid or not.

Also leaving Sierra Kings was Chief Financial Officer, Barbara Jennings, the reason at this point unclear, but Lingo said the chairwoman said the two actions were not related.

Though it is the understanding at this point that Ott as CEO of Sierra King brought in her own "team" and one of which is suspected to be the now former CFO.

When the board chairwoman was asked about Ott's credentials by the Reedley Exponent, the story went that they believed they did their "due dilligence" and it is difficult to get through employers to find the real story.
(Don't we know that here.)
With one exception to that reasoning, all they would have had to do was "google" Ott's educational degrees and within two minutes would have known something was wrong.

The Kern Valley Healthcare District failed to do the same thing or maybe all of them just overlooked it.

Sierra Kings District has its own financial problems as two general obligation bonds were taken from the mostly senior community, and that was not enough money. So, Lingo, told me the hospital has talked about getting "donations" from the community to finish the project.
(That could have been us, Kern River Valley, had Measure M passed)

Rumors abound about financial problems at the Sierra Kings District, and even the word "bankruptcy" has been spoken.

According to Rocky Rogers, City Manager, there is no indication that there is a bankruptcy in progress, but the hospital is looking at how to improve its financial situation.

"All I can tell you is that they are having their finances reviewed. They will have to tell you of any further actions they may be taking. We are here to assist and help in whatever way we can as the Hospital means the livelihood for some 300 people."

Oh, we in the KRV know that our hospital is the biggest employer and the only hospital for 50 miles down a dangerous canyon road.

Currently, there seems to be a management, maybe consultant company in Sierra Kings, called HFS. We will follow this up and get more information as to what this group is doing.

Summary: Ott on leave since 5 pm, Thursday, Sept. 10, two days after she was charges with eight counts of elder abuse.

Later today, hoping to get word back from the Department of Justice on questions from last week....

Lawyers line up in court last Tuesday as the state adds a new defendant to its case of elder abuse in the nursing center at the Kern Valley Healthcare District. Pam Ott pled not guilty and was allowed to leave court with no bail or incarceration.

(courtroom photo from KGET channel 17, Bakersfield)

Still trying to get word on how the emergency meeting at Sierra Kings District concluded last Thursday after their CEO, and former KVHD CEO/Administrator, Pamela Ott was charged with eight counts of elder abuse.

The state's case says that Ott had knowledge of the alleged practices of using psychotropic drugs on difficult patients, but did nothing to stop it.

According to a tip, Ott has been put on administrative leave (Paid or not?) at Sierra King until the felony case begins on Nov. 3 and 4. We will have to verify that information with the hospital.

Ott who left KVHD in a hurry in May of 2007, as civil suits began to be threatened, and at least one family said they settled, or was paid off early in 2007, as the district tried to keep the information from leaking out.

When Ott left she got a nice raise, as she was paid 142K at Kern Valley Healthcare District and according to the Fresno Bee, is recieving $175K annually at Sierra King.

As of right now, Ott has plead "not guilty" and her attorney has actually said according to the Bakersfield Californian Newspaper, that she is completely innocent.

Now there's some hyperbole for you. Since nobody is ever completely innocent, I think her attorney should do his homework, and he will find there are not too many out there who have looked at her resume, and not snickered. And there is a whole community full of people here who were duped but now know the truth.

And let us not forget the employees who were threatened and fired. And the families of residents who say they were mistreated as they tried to obtain records, information, and money.

There are other players in this game, but we have no word if the state has concluded its investigation and will not pursue others at KVHD who also knew what was going on but chose not to stop it or even attempt to help.

Last Tuesday, the two other defendants, Gwen Hughes former Director of Nursing for the nursing center, and Dr. Hoshang Pormir, Medical director, showed up for court as they were scheduled for a pre preliminary hearing. The hearing was continued as Ott was put on the defendant list.

Former Cheif Nursing Officer, Sharon Brucker, who resigned in December of 2006, and the nurse Pamela Ott claimed in correspondence with Department of Health Services was the main person in charge of the nursing center, is seen here outside the Kern County Superior court speaking with Dr. Pormir.

More to follow...

Ott's charged and walks out on own recognizance right into me...

Former Kern Valley Healthcare District CEO/Administrator, Pamela Ott, shown in court today facing charges of elder abuse and conspiracy charges for her role in the skilled nursing facility scandal which resulted in charges against a doctor and director of nursing.
(Court room pictures provided by KGET Channel 17 in Bakersfield)



As I rushed to get to the courtroom this morning at the Kern County Superior Court, I was but five minutes late and cursing myself as the overly attendant security system resulted in almost a strip search.

After retrieving my watch, keys, phone, and not the camera, I caught the trail of a bright young reporter on his way to the court room to see our former CEO brought up on the charges.

It was six months later, Feb. 20 of this year, being the date of the original charges being brought against the hospital, and the reporters from the Bakersfield region had no idea what was going on and who this person was and what her appearing in the case suddenly represented.

Note here, this is not an indictment, as much as I prefer the sound of "indictment watch" to " felony complaint watch" or "lawbreaker watch," it gives you the reader incorrect idea.

Indictment is what I tried to do in June of 2007, when I contacted the grand jury, we had a little teeny weeny investigation, and hands shook, but nothing happened.

These charges emanate from the state department of justice, so it's not an indictment as such. (Darn.)

Anyway, I find my way to the court practically knocking people down in my path: there are way too many people in the legal system, the walls were packed like sardines, lawyers, crying babies, crying lawyers, worried looks, and the murmur of plea bargaining and attorneys fees and ...a lot of pacing in the narrow hallway.

I quickly opened the door to the court room extremely certain I was not going to find Pam Ott in shackles as was done to the first three defendants as we all got to see their images blasted everywhere.

No, I opened the door in between the court and the haul, the vestibule and the other door opened, and I literally "ran into" Pam Ott, no exaggeration.

When the two doors closed it was quiet and we looked at each other. It felt like a confessional. There was no real emotion between us, just an understanding that what she did to the community was not going away, because way too many of us know what she did.

It was real to both of us as we stood there. I would say Ott almost had a look of resignation.

But that's timing folks and that's Karma.

As she went outside a free woman, charged, fingerprinted, but no bail, no shackles, no real public embarrassment for the person most responsible for what happened in the nursing center in 2006/07 at the KVHD hospital, I opened to the door to the court and looked at least 30 people in jumpsuits inside waiting to be heard.

Like I predicted last night on the blog, the "Martha Stewart" treatment.

First thing I did when I got home was to put a call into the Department of Justice Press office and ask why was Ott treated differently. I'm still waiting on my response.

What was different about all those people in the court room, in shackles, and jumpsuits? They didn't have enough money. Its that simple.

Pam Ott is being represented, by criminal defense attorney, Jim Faulkner, of Bakersfield. And she apparently made some sort of deal for the white collar treatment she got.

Dr. Pormir and Gwen Hughes also appeared but with the additional defendant, Ott, the case has been postponed until Nov. 3 and 4.

Dr. Pormir got his passport back today and Gwen Hughes quickly wheeled by me in her wheelchair which was another dejavu moment.

The last time I saw Hughes she was at the nursing center Christmas party. She raced by me then, saying she had a security problem, and then I find out from Pam Ott, that she had hit two board members with her wheelchair trying to get them out of the SNF.

Ott, in an email, thought the incident funny, but even now as that moment today with Gwen, it reminded me of how crazy it had gotten at the hospital. Trying to keep people out of the nursing center because of fear of being caught with your staff down.

Two of the defendants showed up for this, another continuance, which costs money, and neither have left the country or tried to flee.

Now, Ott left the Kern River Valley though in May of 2007: she fled. She got a reference from the chairman of the board and went up to meet friends in Reedley, CA, at the Sierra King District hospital.

The only provision given for Ott is not to work in a facility with a nursing center. ???

Now she hasn't been charged with such an act, but she falsely claimed to be more than a Registered Nurse. She even ordered medical treatment.

Her credentials are shaky at best for administration.

Yet, somehow, she is less of a risk.

So, I met up with Faulkner, Ott's attorney, sort of, in the felony department of this legal retail outfit called superior court.

Faulkner was telling another reporter that Ott was brought up on all the charges the others were, though we could not get the paperwork, and elucidated the mistake about this being a grand jury indictment.

Ott's attorney went on to literally wave his hand dismissing any notion this was a big thing in regard to the Ott case. Of course, he was talking to a reporter with no background on the situation, he was trying to chase off or at least subdue any interest on the part of the press. That's what attorney's do.

I listened intently standing at the counter wondering what he might say next. Let out the rope and see what happens.

Sorry, I couldn't take much more of it, so I introduced myself, "hi, I'm Laura Hart." (that's one heck of a calling card these days. It is kind of like when 60 minutes used to show up, same nauseous feeling I'm sure.)

His face fell, chin dropped, and then the evil eye, then retreat back to the other reporter. I asked him where Pam was and that I wanted some pictures, it was a facetious question of course.

He knew who I was, but I guess he didn't expect me to be standing there watching him posture for the press who knows nothing.

Then I said, I don't think you have a good case, in fact I know you don't.

I think he will be a good attorney for Ott though, as I asked again about her whereabouts for a photo op, he moved his large frame quickly in my path.

(I'm sure I'll get no more information from him other than that eavesdropping session, but it was worth it just to see his face do those things.)

Ott was fingerprinted but never entered the jail or was otherwise incarcerated at any point.

I found Dr. Pormir, who cannot speak to any questions involving the case, but he can listen and not respond.

Finally, I told him, the right person is being charged in this case. I said, you know it and I know it.

Here is the press release from those "bad boys" of PR, at the attorney general's office. I must say, I like it. Again, except the part about the release of Ott.

Brown Files Criminal Charges Against Former Nursing Home Administrator in Kern Valley Elder Abuse Case
Bakersfield - Attorney General Edmund G. Brown Jr. announced that Kern Valley Hospital administrator Pamela Ott was charged on eight felony counts of elder abuse today for allowing staff to forcibly administer psychotropic medications to patients for their own convenience, rather than for their patients' therapeutic interests. These actions are alleged to have resulted in the deaths of three nursing home residents. "As hospital administrator, Pamela Ott, was ultimately responsible for safeguarding the welfare of her patients," Brown said. "Instead, Ott abdicated her responsibility and allowed the staff of the Kern Valley Hospital to forcibly sedate patients who questioned their care." Brown the charges against Ott in Kern County Superior Court. She surrendered herself in court this morning and pled not guilty. She was released on her own recognizance on the condition that she not run a skilled nursing facility. A preliminary hearing is set for November 4, 2009. Today's charges are in addition to those filed in February 2009 against: - Gwen Hughes, the former Director of Nursing at the skilled nursing facility of the Kern Valley Healthcare District in Lake Isabella, Kern County on charges of elder abuse and assault with a deadly weapon. - Debbi Hayes, the former pharmacist at the Valley Healthcare District, on charges of elder abuse and assault with a deadly weapon. On August 14, 2009, Hayes pled no contest to a felony charge of conspiracy to commit an act injurious to public health. She is a cooperating witness for the people. - Dr. Hoshang Pormir, a staff physician at Kern Valley Healthcare District, who was serving as the medical director of the skilled nursing facility, on charges of elder abuse. As the Administrator of the Kern Valley Health Care District, Ott hired and supervised Director of Nursing Gwen Hughes. Upon taking over in September 2006, Hughes ordered that Alzheimer's and other dementia patients be given high doses of psychotropic medications to make them more tranquil and easy to control. She ordered the administration of these medications to patients who argued with her, were noisy, or who were otherwise disruptive. Two patients who resisted were held down and forcibly given injections. Ms. Ott was informed of these actions and allowed them to continue. Hughes is also alleged to have directed Debbi Hayes, the hospital pharmacist, to fill prescriptions for psychotropic medications. Hayes wrote and filled these prescriptions without first obtaining a doctor's approval. Dr. Pormir approved these psychotropic medications only some time after they had been administered and without examining the patients first and determining whether these psychotropic medications were medically necessary. Several of these patients are alleged to have had medical complications as a result of being given these psychotropic medications, including lethargy and the inability to eat or drink properly. It is believed that three patients died and one patient suffered great bodily injury as a result. The investigation Kern Valley Healthcare District operates a small community hospital and skilled nursing facility in Lake Isabella. The case came to the attention of authorities in January 2007, when an ombudsman reported to the Bakersfield office of the California Department of Public Health that a patient in the skilled nursing facility had been held down and given an injection of psychotropic medication by force. The Department of Public Health immediately sent an investigative team with a doctor, a nurse, and a doctor of pharmacology. They determined that 22 patients, including some who were suffering from Alzheimer's at the skilled nursing facility, were being given high doses of psychotropic medication not for therapeutic reasons, but to simply control and quiet them for the convenience of the staff. The Department of Public Health issued a Certificate of Immediate Jeopardy which resulted in the immediate dismissal of the Ms. Hughes. The matter was then turned over to the California Department of Justice, Bureau of Medi-Cal Fraud and Elder Abuse. Special Agents from the Bureau of Medi-Cal Fraud and Elder Abuse began a year-long investigation, with the co-operation and assistance of the Department of Public Health and the administration of the Kern Valley Healthcare District. A search warrant was served on the facility in August 2008, resulting in the seizure of numerous medical files and records. If convicted, all defendants could face up to 11 years in prison. The case is being prosecuted by the Attorney General's Bureau of Medi-Cal Fraud and Elder Abuse, with the co-operation and assistance of the Kern County District Attorney's Office. To view the news releases issued February 2009 about this case, go to http://ag.ca.gov/newsalerts/release.php?id=1682&. To report elder abuse or Medi-Cal fraud, call the Bureau of Medi-Cal Fraud and Elder Abuse's hotline at (800) 722-0432. The complaints are attached.
# # #
You may view the full account of this posting, including possible attachments, in the News & Alerts section of our website at: http://ag.ca.gov/newsalerts/release.php?id=1798

(I didn't format the press release, but I did spell check it for them. Only two mistakes. Good job PR guys.)

More of today's story to come and more pictures. Who was there?

I won't leave until they do: and I've got a surprise too

"Isn't that right Barbara" Chief Financial Officer Chet Beedle, during June's finance committee meeting, seeks support from Controller Barbara Figueroa as he was asked to explain the discrepancy between his report three weeks prior at the June board meeting.

Controller Barbara Figueroa, rarely heard during meetings, backed her boss as he was questioned regarding contracts and spending.

Beedle talked about the nursing registry costs announced at the last board meeting. An 80K payment, said to be a standard fee to registry companies, was questioned as the hospital works with many different companies.

.

Former CEO Rick Carter was one of many, who received benefits such as an apartment, plane tickets, lunch and parking for personal business.

The CEO was also given a 19% raise before his departure earlier this year.

Last year, the CFO, Beedle, and three board members agreed that this expense which was on going, as well as paid housing, was reasonable considering the state of the hospital.

This is board meeting eve blog and I have a few things I want to make clear and then a surprise for a few people.

My goal is the perpetuity of this small public healthcare system, and with strong and circumspect leadership in the administration, finance, and the board of directors, there should no longer be minimum care and service.

Do you want Minimum care and minimum wages?

As the biggest employer and only healthcare for miles down a canyon road, the KVHD hospital must do better than just the minimum with staffing and services.

How many of us want the minimum amount of time we can speak with a doctor or nurse?

How many want to work for an employer which favors themselves over the whole organization minimizing the employee's worth?

How many of us want the minimum amount of time a doctor can spend dealing with our unique health issues?

Would any of us decide to want that for ourselves or our families. That is exactly what has been happening.

Who has to take responsibility and step aside or continue to suffer me.

Brad Armstrong: Mood, currently angry and bitter about lesser position on board as a new configuration was voted in last year.

Bob Jamison: Known to dislike almost everyone including all board members except Brad Armstrong.

Chet Beedle, has deliberately kept the public from knowing details of certain dealings. He has broken laws regarding employee information, which is a drop in the bucket.

Scott Nave, legal counsel, manipulated by the majority power, could not control the behaviors and even recent events have proven this to continue to be the case.

I'm going to work more closely with the hospital: Ombudsman

I'll be spending more time at the hospital watching and listening, reporting.

It all happened a few weeks ago when I visited the SNF for a short time and found three violations rather quickly.

I spoke to Sacramento and just chatted about what I had found. The woman knew about our hospital anyway. But after talking to me, she told me I would make a good ombudsman. She said she wanted to find my name on the list. Absolutely.

Wish I had done it two years ago, but hey, we can all work together now. Group hug.

But because I am a little different, I will be called onyourbuttsman, instead of ombudsman.

When the hospital is clear of violations, unethical behavior, and these people, then I'll move on too.

So, that was your surprise. Happy Birthday Jamison, Armstrong, and Beedle, I just wanted to let you know because I'm excited to get this new endeavour started.

I will, however, not take up the governments offer, as it would be in conflict a to reporting and writing about the problems and how they are being solved. So, just call me the "onyourbuttsman."

Board meeting tonight: Wed. July 1, at 5:30 pm in the cafeteria at the hospital.

UPDATE:Breaking News: Kern Co. Superior Court shows Pharmacist Debbi Hayes sentenced on Friday

Update:
After making some phone calls, one to Pharmacist Debbi Hayes' attorney, Phyllis Hix, I know little more than I did last night.
I asked Hix for some clarification of the information on the website and she said, "no." I asked her for a statement and she said, "no." I asked if she will ever speak to me in the future and she said, "maybe."
I'm pretty sure Hix is either Military or has been deposed a half a million times. Usually I'm pretty good about getting at least a spoonful of info, but not this time. My worst interview before this aborted attempt with Hix was with the military.

Anyway, I do know now that Pharmacist Debbie Hayes is not in jail. On the website suspended sentence is underlined. It shows that she could have 3 years probation, according to the Kern County Superior court website.

It appears, but we will wait for word tomorrow, that all other 10 counts of elder abuse and assault have been dismissed, and Hayes has plead to the lesser charge of conspiracy.

The site also shows another court date for Hayes on Tuesday, August 18, as we will be there both Tuesday and Wednesday for the preliminary hearing in the cases against Dr. Hoshang Pormir and Gwen Hughes, we will keep you updated.

If anything else breaks in the meantime, we will be there with our cameras to catch it and bring it to you immediately.

Yesterday:
As of right now, all I know is that information on the Kern County Superior Court website is showing that Pharmacist Debbi Hayes has plead "Nolo Contendere" to the additional conspiracy charge added to the ten counts against her, including elder abuse and assault.

The other charges have possibly been dropped.

The site is showing that there is still another court date on Tuesday, 8/18/09, but as of right now, it indicates she is sentenced to a one year term. (see below)

"Nolo Contendere" means a plea made by the defendant in a criminal action that is substantially but not technically an admission of guilt and subjects the defendant to punishment but permits denial of the alleged facts at other proceedings.

A very interesting move here on the part of the state. Not that its uncommon to get a plead, its cheaper, and if you have a crummy case to start with, its not a bad idea. They added a "conspiracy" charge meaning more than one person just to the Pharmacist's case, and then she pleads out to it.

Dr. Pormir and Gwen Hughes, the other current defendants have not had this charge put on their cases, as of today. And they are both still scheduled for a pre-preliminary and preliminary hearing Tuesday and Wednesday of next week.

This puts a big spin on this. Who's our other conspirator, there has to be one? And when will she and her friends be visiting the jail and court?

That's all speculation, I will have more for you tomorrow.

http://www.co.kern.ca.us/courts/crimcal/crim_index_case_detail.asp
Defendant Information:
Name:
HAYES, DEBBI GAYLE CHAMBERS
case Information:
Court Case #:
BF126665B

Filing Date:
02/17/09

182(A)(5)
CONSPIRACY:OBSTRUCT JUSTICE/ETC
PLED NOLO - 859A PC
08/14/09

Sentence Information
JAIL/PRISON 365 DAYS,
SUSP/STAYED 365 DAYS,
TOTAL CREDIT 0003 TIME SERVED 3 DAYS
CONFINEMENT LOCATION JAIL
FORMAL PROBATION GRANTED FOR 3 YRS,
CHARGE
FINE AMOUNT

MISC. FEES 60.00 RESTIT FINE 200.00 FINE TOTALS 260.00

The disaster, the crimes, when does it end?

Bradley Armstrong, current Treasurer of the Kern Valley Healthcare District, sits in front of his computer deflecting all scrutiny of his activities within the district for more than 20 years. Brown Act violations, conflict of interest issues, bullying, and ignoring serious problems highlight his stay on the board of directors.

They worked together hiding their activities from the public, the employees, and other board members, and created the biggest disaster in the history of the Kern Valley healthcare district when idictments came down from the state Attorney General's office for elder abuse earlier this year.

The charges, stemming from an investigation during the time period between August 2006 and January 2007, were only against a long time doctor and pharmacist, and a director of nursing, who was hired and left during the same time frame. Others got away with their part in the downfall of the skilled nursing facility; and some are still here...

Bob Jamison, 2nd vice chair, still with the board of directors, spent much of his time at his radio job with QAB media protecting the truth about mismanagement and the rest of the time attacking employees along with anyone who questioned the former CEO, Pam Ott. Jamison was one of three board members, a quorum, who ran the hospital into the ground.

Jamison blogged on the QAB media, an ABC affiliate station, website creating a media war as the three board members and administrators were being scrutinized while investigators were roaming the nursing facility at the hospital. When CEO, Pam Ott, stepped down, May 2007, during the impending disaster, Jamison further aggravated the situation, by bringing Ott on the radio and allowing her an hour to defend and blame others for the problems.

The board of directors was lopsided, as Bradley Armstrong, Bob Jamison, and former member, Barabra Casas defied all laws surroung legislative bodies, the Brown Act, putting votes aside when one of the members was absent, thus losing their private quorum. They even went to the extent of canceling a meeting in April 2007 when the questions started coming about what the problems were with the hospital nursing facility.

Email from Barbara Casas RE: April 2007 meeting: Bob Jamison was elected to the office of First Vice President, which was his desire, so he could Chair Board Meetings if Brad had to be absent. Bob Jamison chose to not have the Board Meeting on Thursday as he was afraid that everything would be a 2 to 2 vote without a third positive vote from Brad who is Chair, and the third person to vote for anything positive.

....….Know this—If I was acting as First VP or Chair, I would have carried out meeting on schedule, I would have only tabled the action mentioned before the meeting—that could have been accomplished by a telephone vote of all Board Members—I would have chosen to go ahead and let them make fools of themselves, but then, that is me, and I “charge ahead”-----that is what I would have done!

Pamela Ott, former KVHD CEO, from 2003 until her resignation in 2007. Ott shown here at the South Fork Woman's Club attempting to get the organization to back a general obligation bond for 12.5 million to build a new wing on hospital. The bond was lost, but the building plans were never feasible anyway.

The former CEO spent most of 2006 dealing with the Department of Health Services as the Skilled Nursing facility was fined for noncompliance regarding physical restraints of residents. DHS requested that there be a full time Director of Nursing in the SNF, and though Ott, and then CNO, Sharon Brucker, stated compliance when they brought on a DON in March 2006, she lasted only a few weeks.

2006 documents

regarding the use of physical restraints. Ott, an RN, had little knowledge of long term care laws.

But as the district was trying to push its general obligation bond, Measure M, onto the November 2006 ballot, a new employee arrived who took over the skilled nursing facility as the director of nursing, Gwen Hughes.

Ott glowed about the acquisition of such a qualified manager, and reported in her September 2006 CEO board report that things were going well. At the time employees had already begun to make rumblings that trouble was in the SNF and the hospital. But Ott insisted things were "wonderful."

"Nursing Center Update: Things are going very well in the nursing center. We admitted six new residents in one week. The total census is 72. Our new director of Nursing, Gwen Hughes, is organizing, making appropriate changes, adjusting to her role and the staff really seem to be enjoying her leadership."

Then in Oct. 2006, employees came to a board meeting to let the directors and management that there were serious problems with staffing. Chairman, Bradley Armstrong instructed the speaker to go up the proper chain of command. Rather than see the situation as an alert that problems were afoot, Armstrong, reprimanded the employees.

Suddenly, in November 2006, a month later, the problem was investigated and resolved. All assertions made by the employees, the report says were not substantiated. A committee was formed to appease the group.

both of the employees who were in charge of the recruitment and retention committee are no longer employed with the hospital. One nurse was called "one of the best" by doctors and fellow staff.

By April 2007, then board Chairman, Bradley Armstrong, began refusing to answer questions regarding the skilled nursing facility or any short staffing suggestions.

That was the month he had to have the board meeting cancelled because he couldn't attend, suddenly. The meeting went April 16.

Brad Armstrong backed Pam Ott, as no questions were asked of her in a public forum, questions were deflected, and no accountability was offered.

Armstrong also strongly backed the architectural firm, Aspen Street Architects, the company owned by David Yarborough, as the hospital was working with Rural Health Design Network, owned by wife, Kathy Yarborough.

The plans produced for the concept modular building tied to Measure M, were faulty, yet because the district had a long relationship Aspen Street, already paying much money over the course of several years.

When the project went up for bid in March of 2007, (by law, projects costing more than 25K have to go up for bid) Armstrong, Jamison and Casas all voted for Aspen Street.

The other two board members, Robert and Kathryn Knight, picked another company after doing research and finding out about the cost overruns Aspen Street had been having on their other projects.

Barbara Casas said she wanted to go with Aspen Street after working with them for five years. Even after the renderings were made for the previous GOB, and they were faulty at a partial cost of $5000.

Chairman Armstrong only researched two of the three firms, and went with Aspen Street in spite of their previous errors. Partial records indicate Aspen Street Architects was paid more than $30K. Not clear what services were provided which were correct and finished.

The hospital has dropped it's contract with Aspen Street and denied for months knowledge the relationship between the architects and the other organization, Rural Health Design network.

Chet Beedle, Chief Financial Officer, contracted with two different management companies for the ailing nursing center. After minimum or short staffing, Beedle spent more than a million dollars to rehabilitate the SNF.

The board of directors signed off on the strategy which has cost the district dearly.

Chet Beedle, who pushed for Measure M, going on TV with Bob Jamison, selling the bonds without any true construction plan or detailed figure.

Beedle, who came to the district through a management company called BRIM, in 2001 as the controller, was then hired on as CFO.

The CFO worked closely with Armstrong, Jamison, Casas and Ott as they closed in on the bond meant to pay for a structure that was amorphous at that time, and still is not settled.

With the Knights disagreeing with the process, the group went about telling stories about the Knights which ranged from being thieves to walking the halls at night talking to employees.

Beedle targeted an employee he called a "Knight supporter" who said he didn't trust management and was not behind the bond which would have the community paying for the project with property taxes.

Email following a meeting in December 2006 regarding the Knights and an employee:

What I said was that Tom received double digit salary rate increases while most of the other employees' salaries were frozen. All of these salary increases were granted by Bob Knight. The actual history is al follows:
1) 9/28/97 - Annual increase of x%.
2) 12/1/97 - Special salary adjustment based upon survey of comparable positions - Increase of xxxx%.
3) 7/1/98 - Special salary adjustment for increased responsibility for Durable Medical Equipment - Increase of xx%.
4) 9/27/98 - Annual increase of xx%.
I am sending copies of the Personnel Action Forms signed by Bob Knight for these increases to Pam as per her request. I think this tells the story.

(Figures have been removed for privacy purposes.)

Mr. Beedle has firmly said that there are no billing problems at the hospital. And even after the end of the contract with EMCARE in 2006, the company he blamed for the overcharges, there were still complaints coming in.

One public comment stated that when he was dealing with the billing department he felt they were not up to speed on what everything was and that they always turn and talk to someone above them.

Other residents have claimed they still get bills over and above their own insurance, though Beedle denies having any complaints.

Currently, the board of directors consists of Kathryn Knight, chairwoman, Secretary, Victoria Alwin, 1st vice chair, Dr. Robert Gross, Bradley Armstrong, Treasurer, and Bob Jamison, 2nd vice chair.

A new CEO, Tim McGlew, has recently joined the district and will be attending his first board meeting this week, July 1, at 5:30 pm in the hospital cafeteria.

Even with evidence that there were leadership problems, board members voting together and violating laws to make sure they had the vote, personnel records revealed, slanderous statements about board members and employees, there has been little recourse or action by any oversight agency.

Currently, Armstrong and Jamison have been subversive in their activities trying to blame other board members for mistakes, yet neither of them has yet to even take responsibility for their own actions. But two people who have served the district are now in criminal court, Dr. Pormir and Debbi Hayes. And the hospital insurance company has denied that they have to pay for their defense.

Armstrong seems to not be able to let go of his former power to control the board and administration, and has berated and harassed the new chairwoman as she took over just this January. Upon taking over the middle chair, Kay Knight, had a sudden surge of visits at her workplace by Beedle, former CEO Rick Carter, and a reportedly pushy Armstrong.

The incidents were reported to the board counsel, Scott Nave. He has also recieved evidence to the facts and has chosen not to act.

Reporting on a special meeting, I was kept from getting the report from the legal counsel via telephone as Armstrong reached in front of me and hung up the phone.

Records have been denied and kept from me over the past two years. Which again is illegal. It hasn't ended.

Click on images to open and read.

"Quaff oh quaff this kind nepenthe and forget this lost Lenore." (Poe, The Raven)

Yes, archaic title, yet meaningful, but I wanted to let you know that we are working right now on the story of the meeting, pictures and all. Really, we are. Later. No, now.

Here's your preview:

Pink Ladies tell new CEO and CCO, that they have issues with the kind of use of volunteers in the skilled nursing facility. They said they complained to the former SNF administrator and former CEO, Rick Carter, for more than a year, but were never heard.

Board member, Brad Armstrong, suggested a "liaison" between the new CEO and Pink Ladies once a month.

However, CEO, Tim Mcglew, tells the Pink Ladies, he needs to hear about any problems, immediately, not a month from now.

(That's what we need to hear from the new administration. I will elaborate on the fact that Armstrong was alerted early as chairman of the board in 2006 of serious problems in the nursing facility, but never acted.)

And the pharmacy has become a bitter pill to swallow, as CFO Chet Beedle, explains the our pill dispensing outlet, Mt. Mesa Clinical Pharmacy, is on a COD basis with the wholesaler.

Both Beedle and McGlew explained that the pharmacy will stay open, but people might want to call first as certain prescriptions may not be available immediately, or even at all.

I will elaborate and get some feedback from our other local pharmacies as well.

Our new Chief Clinical Officer, Cynthia Burciagagammallamamcschmidt, (sorry, I couldn't help it, I read the Kern Valley Sun) Cynthia Burciaga, has apparently dove in feet first into the skilled nursing center as the former consultants, including Nursing Home Administrator, Tracy Brown, sped off two weeks ago without notice.

Burciaga's report was extensive as many changes are being considered and new projects are starting up for the residents. More details...

McGlew, who will now be in charge of both hospital and SNF, said he is bringing in Beta group to take a look at the way the nursing facility is being run and to make suggestions, which will not cost the hospital money, as the company has an interest as they provide the hospital insurance coverage.

The CEO said he wanted another "set of eyes" to look at things in the much maligned nursing facility.

I'll try again to reach Beta group and get some general feedback, but honestly, I think I made them angry as I have complained bitterly that Dr. Pormir and Debbi Hayes were not insured when they were indicted by the state for problems with the SNF.

Though the board voted to insure the two long time employees, the insurance carrier would not pay for their legal costs because the indictments are criminal. (But former CEO, Pam Ott, only cited in a civil case, has the backing of the company. I don't know, I think my concern here is legitimate, and we will be getting more into this as the preliminary hearings begin this month in the criminal trials. Our camera will be there.)

On a promising, positive note, there is definite improvement in the way the administration has acted to the public, allowing questions and comments, and speaking directly of transparency due a public entity, such as the Kern Valley Healthcare District. Kudos.

The rest of the story and pics to come soon, later, tomorrow. I'm hungry, I'm going to get something to eat. I mean, I'm hungry for work, let me go back to it.

Our cameras in the courtroom: Dr. Pormir and Debbi Hayes scheduled for August and so are we...

We are sending off the request to video tape in Kern County Superior court as former KVHD Medical Director, Dr. Pormir and Pharmacist, Debbi Hayes, have a scheduled, two pre-trial hearing dates, August 18 and 19th.

We want to make sure that this is documented for the community so that all know what happened to two long time employees of the Kern Valley Healthcare District.

And I will make sure copies go to the leadership who allowed these two healthcare professionals to be taken in a state investigation which did not see to it that the people in charge were held more or even equally responsible.

What could be justice in this case?
I say to both the doctor and pharmacist that you turn over all evidence against the leadership of KVHD who allowed this turn of events to occur which has lead to your indictments. These people have done nothing for you two or the hospital, and they need to face their own jury.

You should both take note that nobody at this hospital has taken any responsibility for anything. They turned their backs and walked away.

If they had evidence, Mr. Attorney General, would the state consider using them as witnesses instead of defendants?

Jerry Brown and the DOJ need to cut a deal for the real players instead.
Laura Hart

Here's the court schedule:

Defendant Name CaseNumber
HearingDate/Time HearingLocation Div/Dept
Hearing Type
HAYES, DEBBI GAYLE CHAMBERS
BF126665B
08/18/2009, 09:00AM
Metro Division - 1415 Truxtun
PH
PRE-PRELIMINARY HEARING
HAYES, DEBBI GAYLE CHAMBERS
BF126665B
08/19/2009, 08:30AM
Metro Division - 1415 Truxtun
PX
PRELIMINARY HEARING
Click hearing location for contact information/directions.
Defendant Name CaseNumber HearingDate/Time HearingLocation
Div/Dept Hearing Type
PORMIR, HOSHANG M
BF126665C
08/18/2009, 09:00AM
Metro Division - 1415 Truxtun
PH
PRE-PRELIMINARY HEARING
PORMIR, HOSHANG M
BF126665C
08/19/2009, 08:30AM
Metro Division - 1415 Truxtun
PX
PRELIMINARY HEARING
New Search

Invitation to Jerry Brown: don't save him a chair he's doubtful

I'm sure our Attorney General Edmund G. Brown, and or what all Californian's call him, "Jerry Brown," will likely be busy basking in the limelight of another controversial celebrity death and be unable to attend our insignaficant vote producing meeting.
He will probably have to bust another doctor or pharmacist of a more significant person or community.
(I'm on your mailing list; we can see your run for governor from here sir. Why would you have spent time on that starlet and important person, Anna Nicole Smith, if you didn't have ambition...again. I'm sure it was a career maker that you busted "her" doctors. No you didn't hear a snicker, I was clearing my throat.)

But because his words, or that of his PR people, rocked our community to the core, I just thought maybe he might want to come help us haul off the rest of the criminals left over from the state's thorough investigation. (You'll have to go to Sierra King too)

I expect from the PR machine of the Attorney General's office that when I finally meet Mr. Brown, he will be donning a cape and tights. Maybe with shiny, red booties too.
(I have a vivid imagination. Anyway, governor, or I mean, Mr. Attorney General, can I do a citizen's arrest and clean the rest of this up for you? Let me know, and I'll, uh, need a badge too. And I'll take the first and last Friday of the month off until this is done. Don't worry.)
Well, before he was an attorney general I was picking out scams by the bagful resulting in the “alerting” of our local seniors and general citizenry to watch for these traps and grifters.
I must say the press releases Mr. Brown and company create are rich in texture and certainly sound tough on crime. But I wonder after it leaves the press office how these cases actually turn out.
(Could you, Scott Gerber and company, send out some press releases about the conclusion of these cases. Did you convict and how many? Were they the correct people? (Hey just asking, I know of at least one case that needs a review)
Headlines: Attorney General busts 17 cow milkers for pasteurization violations. Brown says, “the milk wasn’t hot enough, how can I add chocolate, it's lumpy?” The DA has brought in 50 cows as witnesses in the case against these udderly bad people.
One year later…The bovine witnesses were caught in collusion against the milkers, charges were dropped, and the DA finally found out the whole scam was run by the bull. Moo later…)

I'm pretty sure I sent him an invitation, let me look through my records here. What is going on I can't find it, something is missing. These records are all messed up. Dr. Locatell, can you help me make sense of this?
(You are welcome to attend Mr. Brown and we could do pictures with my dog, he talks. We have two large chain newspapers here that would cover you, with saliva probably. Okay, I'm stretching your coverage, but I guarantee I would cover you and properly.)

Call me? ...pretty please...