Doctor alleges second person also changed patients' records in WDH privacy breach
By Adam D. Krauss
akrauss@fosters.com
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
DOVER — A doctor impacted by the privacy breach at Wentworth-Douglass Hospital says a second employee improperly accessed and changed patients' records but never lost her job. (If they look a little deeper, I'm sure they'll find this isn't the only hospital in NH where patients records have been accessed and changed.)
"There was another woman that's still working at the hospital," said Dr. Cheryl Moore, whose Piscataqua Pathology Associates group was contracted to run pathology lab at WDH. "She did the same thing as the first lady, but to a lesser degree."
Unlike the woman who lost her job, this employee escaped punishment because Gint Taoras, the lab director and a WDH employee, and Dalma Winkler, the hospital's privacy officer, halted a full audit of what she had done, Moore claims.
"They reviewed a few cases just to see they were ... looking at similar records," Moore said Tuesday, but the hospital didn't review more cases "because they didn't want to know that they had more trouble."
Moore and her partner, Dr. Glenn Littell, have said WDH administration resisted investigating the breach and retaliated against them by not renewing their contract after they pushed for disclosure — allegations rebuffed by WDH CEO and President Gregory Walker.
Moore's comments came after Foster's Daily Democrat received a community commentary written by her husband, Dr. Thomas Moore, a surgeon with courtesy privileges at WDH.
In the commentary, published in today's edition, he says "had the Hospital's administrators had their way, an investigation into this breach would never have taken place. This is highlighted by the fact that the person who committed this heinous act had an accomplice who was never investigated and never fired. This was a determination made by the Hospital."
WDH spokeswoman Noreen Biehl confirmed Tuesday only one person lost their job as a result of the breach but didn't immediately respond to the allegation of an "accomplice" or whether another employee was involved in some way.
The doctors have said the ex-employee altered records of some 1,100 patients after being transferred out of the lab, where she had worked for many years, after she was cited for poor performance. This second employee, Cheryl Moore said, "was friends with" the ex-employee "and she got transferred out around the same time."
In another development, a state investigator says he's reviewing information he didn't have when he determined Wentworth-Douglass Hospital didn't have to notify patients whose records were improperly viewed or altered in a 13-month privacy breach, which involved about 1,800 unauthorized patient record views from May 2006 to June 2007.
James Boffetti, who leads the Office of the Attorney General's consumer protection and antitrust bureau, said he's received images of computer screens that were viewed by the rogue employee — images an attorney for Moore and Littell says shows patients' Social Security numbers and sensitive insurance policy data were compromised.
"I will certainly review everything," said Boffetti, stressing that doesn't mean he's necessarily reopening his case file. "I want to have a chance to look at it more carefully."
Boffetti would not say if he would have liked to have the images at the time of his initial review.
Late last week, Charles Grau, a Concord attorney representing Moore and Littell, said the images could "significantly change" Boffetti's view of whether the breach impacted patients' personal information as defined by RSA 359-C: 19.
Boffetti had determined the breach did not meet the law and therefore the hospital did not need to notify the state or patients.
Boffetti said he never sought the images and he's "not alleging" the hospital withheld information. "The hospital has been cooperative," he said.
Biehl questioned why the pathologists didn't provide the state with the images when they reported the matter to several agencies.
"We were never interviewed," Grau said, noting he provided the information to Boffetti upon learning a decision was made after reading about in Foster's Daily Democrat.
Boffetti relied on an audit summary that was completed in May in carrying out his initial review. From that he knew patients' first names were changed, something state law says constitutes personal information. He would not explain Tuesday how such a change didn't fit the law's requirement.
Biehl said she is still waiting for a report from state health investigators who reviewed hospital and pathology lab operations at the direction of the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The College of American Pathologists is also investigating.
Moore and Littell, whose group is running the lab until March, also brought the case to the Office of Civil Rights of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, which enforces privacy laws, and DHHS' Office of Inspector General.
The Joint Commission, which accredits health care organizations, has determined the hospital satisfactorily addressed the situation.
http://www.fosters.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20091223/GJNEWS_01/712239922/-1/rss3&source=RSS
Isabella Brooke Knightly and Austin Gamez-Knightly
In Memory of my Loving Husband, William F. Knightly Jr. Murdered by ILLEGAL Palliative Care at a Nashua, NH Hospital
Friday, December 25, 2009
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Foster mother accused of beating child during potty training
Foster mother accused of beating child during potty training
Charmaine McCutchen, 44, is accused of striking her 4-year-old foster child in the abdomen
By Doug Page and Lucas Sullivan
Staff Writers
Updated 4:09 PM Wednesday, December 23, 2009
DAYTON — A Trotwood mother accused of severely beating her foster child while trying to potty train him was indicted and arrested Tuesday, Dec. 22, on a felony child endangering charge.
Charmaine McCutchen, 44, is accused of striking her 4-year-old foster child in the abdomen.
If convicted, McCutchen faces between two and eight years in prison.
The toddler, born with fetal alcohol syndrome and who has “developmental delays,” was taken to Dayton Children’s Medical Center on July 9 with severe abdominal pain and vomiting, Trotwood police said.
Emergency room doctors informed officers they suspected he might have been abused, authorities said.
The boy had emergency surgery the next day and spent two months in the hospital, Trotwood Detective Natalie Watson said.
The alleged assault occurred during toilet training, Watson said.
Police said the toddler initially indicated he had been hurt by “his mommy. He had two people he called his mommy so it was unclear what had happened,” Watson said.
The boy’s biological mother has supervised visitation rights, police said. McCutchen has two other biological sons of her own.
In later interviews, the child said, “Mommy with the two boys hurt me” and “Charmaine hit my tummy,” police said.
When police attempted several times to interview McCutchen, including a voice-stress test, “She backed out,” Detective Steve Derringer said.
Prosecutors approved the charge in October and sent it to a grand jury, which handed up the indictment Dec. 8.
It took authorities six months to get the indictment because of medical records and forensic evidence needed to secure charges, said Greg Flannagan, the county prosecutor’s office spokesman.
The boy had been in McCutchen’s care for almost two years, Watson said.
He has since been placed in a different foster home.
“He’s doing much better, putting on weight and thriving,” Watson said. “He’s a different kid.”
Montgomery County Children’s Services spokesman Tim Harshaw said McCutchen was contracted with another agency to house foster children.
The agency has no prior cases involving McCutchen’s biological children, but Harshaw said officials will do an assessment of her home in response to her arrest.
http://www.daytondailynews.com/news/crime/foster-mother-accused-of-beating-child-during-potty-training-462430.html?imw=Y
Charmaine McCutchen, 44, is accused of striking her 4-year-old foster child in the abdomen
By Doug Page and Lucas Sullivan
Staff Writers
Updated 4:09 PM Wednesday, December 23, 2009
DAYTON — A Trotwood mother accused of severely beating her foster child while trying to potty train him was indicted and arrested Tuesday, Dec. 22, on a felony child endangering charge.
Charmaine McCutchen, 44, is accused of striking her 4-year-old foster child in the abdomen.
If convicted, McCutchen faces between two and eight years in prison.
The toddler, born with fetal alcohol syndrome and who has “developmental delays,” was taken to Dayton Children’s Medical Center on July 9 with severe abdominal pain and vomiting, Trotwood police said.
Emergency room doctors informed officers they suspected he might have been abused, authorities said.
The boy had emergency surgery the next day and spent two months in the hospital, Trotwood Detective Natalie Watson said.
The alleged assault occurred during toilet training, Watson said.
Police said the toddler initially indicated he had been hurt by “his mommy. He had two people he called his mommy so it was unclear what had happened,” Watson said.
The boy’s biological mother has supervised visitation rights, police said. McCutchen has two other biological sons of her own.
In later interviews, the child said, “Mommy with the two boys hurt me” and “Charmaine hit my tummy,” police said.
When police attempted several times to interview McCutchen, including a voice-stress test, “She backed out,” Detective Steve Derringer said.
Prosecutors approved the charge in October and sent it to a grand jury, which handed up the indictment Dec. 8.
It took authorities six months to get the indictment because of medical records and forensic evidence needed to secure charges, said Greg Flannagan, the county prosecutor’s office spokesman.
The boy had been in McCutchen’s care for almost two years, Watson said.
He has since been placed in a different foster home.
“He’s doing much better, putting on weight and thriving,” Watson said. “He’s a different kid.”
Montgomery County Children’s Services spokesman Tim Harshaw said McCutchen was contracted with another agency to house foster children.
The agency has no prior cases involving McCutchen’s biological children, but Harshaw said officials will do an assessment of her home in response to her arrest.
http://www.daytondailynews.com/news/crime/foster-mother-accused-of-beating-child-during-potty-training-462430.html?imw=Y
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Glen C Schulz Author of Unlawful Flight, a Parental Kidnapping
Arrested by the FBI and the U.S.Marshal's and charged with Unlawful Flight to Avoid Prosecution and kidnapping for taking his own children, the author of "Unlawful Flight" is now a father's rights activist and speaker. He dedicates his book to our school teachers. Glen says that "they do so much for so many and get so little thanks."
Where authors and readers come together! Ten days after Glens book was featured on the Dr.Phil show (10/3/2008), Trancas Films International ( www.trancasfilms.com ) optioned the film rights to his book !! Read more in the news area.
When his estranged wife began emotionally abusing their children and alienating them from him, Glen C. Schulz was faced with a dilemma and left with no choice but to abduct them and go on the run. He did something that he believes was "legally wrong and yet morally right!" His story is one of triumph for any father who loves his children and is willing to do anything for them ...
As many as 350,000 Children are Abducted Each Year by a Parent or Family Member!
That's 1,000 kids every day & 46% are abducted by their father
In this case abduction was the only answer!
This is one father's touching story.
If you were in his place, what would you do?
[Houston, TX - July 20, 2007] According to the National Incidence Studies on Missing, Abducted, Runaway and Throwaway children (NISMART), as many as 350,000 children are abducted each year by a parent or family member. Of these, 54% are by the mother and 46% are by the father. Statistics also dictate that about 16% of these children (56,000) suffer from post traumatic stress and mental anguish.
UNLAWFUL FLIGHT is one man's story about the abduction of his children and the lessons he learned along the way. You will be touched by Glen, Brian and Melissa's struggles and the inseparable bond they developed as they dealt with life on the run and in hiding. Their plight opened up the hearts and pocketbooks of total strangers who came to their aid and assisted them on their amazing journey.
It's an all too common story! After kicking Glen out of the home so she could pursue a new life, Sandy alienated him from his children. She told them lies, accused him of sexual abuse, and drove a wedge between him and his two children.
Glen Schulz truly loved his wife, but when she packed his bags and said "leave," he felt his life was over, and his world began to crumble. In a downward spiral of drinking and drugs, he attempted suicide. While recovering behind locked doors, he quickly realized that nothing mattered more than his children, and he knew that for their well-being he had to get them away from their mother.
After his estranged wife had no choice but to drop the abuse charges, Schulz and his children were finally given a long-awaited weekend visitation. Little did Sandy know, but that would be the last time she would see her children for nearly two years.
UNLAWFUL FLIGHT is a wake-up call for all parents about the priority children should be in our lives, and how total strangers will always be supportive when love and sacrifice outweighs all obstacles.
Birth Place: Erie, PA
Accomplishments: My children tell me that I'm the best father that ever was, but watching my son with his children shows me that he is a much better father than I ! Publishing my book "Unlawful Flight" was a big achievement for me, even bigger than jumping out of a perfectly good airplane, which my daughter and I do whenever we can. My motto is never ever take no for an answer, especially when it comes to reaching for your dream! Reaching for your dream and not getting it is far better than having never tried.
Books
Unlawful Flight, a parental kidnapping. by Glen C Schulz
Where authors and readers come together! Ten days after Glens book was featured on the Dr.Phil show (10/3/2008), Trancas Films International ( www.trancasfilms.com ) optioned the film rights to his book !! Read more in the news area.
When his estranged wife began emotionally abusing their children and alienating them from him, Glen C. Schulz was faced with a dilemma and left with no choice but to abduct them and go on the run. He did something that he believes was "legally wrong and yet morally right!" His story is one of triumph for any father who loves his children and is willing to do anything for them ...
As many as 350,000 Children are Abducted Each Year by a Parent or Family Member!
That's 1,000 kids every day & 46% are abducted by their father
In this case abduction was the only answer!
This is one father's touching story.
If you were in his place, what would you do?
[Houston, TX - July 20, 2007] According to the National Incidence Studies on Missing, Abducted, Runaway and Throwaway children (NISMART), as many as 350,000 children are abducted each year by a parent or family member. Of these, 54% are by the mother and 46% are by the father. Statistics also dictate that about 16% of these children (56,000) suffer from post traumatic stress and mental anguish.
UNLAWFUL FLIGHT is one man's story about the abduction of his children and the lessons he learned along the way. You will be touched by Glen, Brian and Melissa's struggles and the inseparable bond they developed as they dealt with life on the run and in hiding. Their plight opened up the hearts and pocketbooks of total strangers who came to their aid and assisted them on their amazing journey.
It's an all too common story! After kicking Glen out of the home so she could pursue a new life, Sandy alienated him from his children. She told them lies, accused him of sexual abuse, and drove a wedge between him and his two children.
Glen Schulz truly loved his wife, but when she packed his bags and said "leave," he felt his life was over, and his world began to crumble. In a downward spiral of drinking and drugs, he attempted suicide. While recovering behind locked doors, he quickly realized that nothing mattered more than his children, and he knew that for their well-being he had to get them away from their mother.
After his estranged wife had no choice but to drop the abuse charges, Schulz and his children were finally given a long-awaited weekend visitation. Little did Sandy know, but that would be the last time she would see her children for nearly two years.
UNLAWFUL FLIGHT is a wake-up call for all parents about the priority children should be in our lives, and how total strangers will always be supportive when love and sacrifice outweighs all obstacles.
Birth Place: Erie, PA
Accomplishments: My children tell me that I'm the best father that ever was, but watching my son with his children shows me that he is a much better father than I ! Publishing my book "Unlawful Flight" was a big achievement for me, even bigger than jumping out of a perfectly good airplane, which my daughter and I do whenever we can. My motto is never ever take no for an answer, especially when it comes to reaching for your dream! Reaching for your dream and not getting it is far better than having never tried.
Books
Unlawful Flight, a parental kidnapping. by Glen C Schulz
Daddy, why did you go?
Daddy, why did you go?
by Glen C Schulz
Dad, we saw you drive by the house today, Mom had made us go out and play.She's been mad at us lately but why I can't say. Daddy, why did you go away?
My son, I love you with all of my heart and being away just tears me apart. Waving was all I could do as I drove by, I was trying so hard not to cry.
But Dad, I heard Mom tell someone that we're in her way; could you please come home and stay? I promise that we won't be mad, if you will just come back to us Dad.
My dearest child, it was your Mother that sent me away; Oh Jesus Christ, just what should I say? Your Mother loves you and it will all be okay, she's just confused and won't let me come home to stay.
But Dad, each night you read us a story and tucked us in; last night we watched Mom drink from a bottle of gin. Dad please come home, we promise that we'll be good. We are both so very sad, Mom told us you left 'cause we were bad. We're sorry Dad.
Son, you're not the reason that I went away and if I was allowed, I'd come home today. You've done nothing wrong and I'm so sorry to see, the hurt in your eyes because you miss me.
Honey, my child, my reason to be, Your Mother loves you, can't you see? Of that you can be sure, you don't need to worry. And if she would let me I'd be home in a hurry. Please give Mommy some time and give her some space, and please take care of your sister. I miss you all so very much, but please... don't tell Mommy I miss her.
She will say I'm using you to cause and stir up trouble, and she'll go file another false charge; she'll do it on the double. My son, let things calm down and you both be good, right now things are in tatters. If we give Mommy time and give her some space, she may realize what matters.
I love you both more than life itself. Daddy
by Glen C Schulz
Dad, we saw you drive by the house today, Mom had made us go out and play.She's been mad at us lately but why I can't say. Daddy, why did you go away?
My son, I love you with all of my heart and being away just tears me apart. Waving was all I could do as I drove by, I was trying so hard not to cry.
But Dad, I heard Mom tell someone that we're in her way; could you please come home and stay? I promise that we won't be mad, if you will just come back to us Dad.
My dearest child, it was your Mother that sent me away; Oh Jesus Christ, just what should I say? Your Mother loves you and it will all be okay, she's just confused and won't let me come home to stay.
But Dad, each night you read us a story and tucked us in; last night we watched Mom drink from a bottle of gin. Dad please come home, we promise that we'll be good. We are both so very sad, Mom told us you left 'cause we were bad. We're sorry Dad.
Son, you're not the reason that I went away and if I was allowed, I'd come home today. You've done nothing wrong and I'm so sorry to see, the hurt in your eyes because you miss me.
Honey, my child, my reason to be, Your Mother loves you, can't you see? Of that you can be sure, you don't need to worry. And if she would let me I'd be home in a hurry. Please give Mommy some time and give her some space, and please take care of your sister. I miss you all so very much, but please... don't tell Mommy I miss her.
She will say I'm using you to cause and stir up trouble, and she'll go file another false charge; she'll do it on the double. My son, let things calm down and you both be good, right now things are in tatters. If we give Mommy time and give her some space, she may realize what matters.
I love you both more than life itself. Daddy
Screaming in silence-For all of the mothers and fathers that for whatever reason don't get to see their children this Christmas.
Screaming in silence.
by Glen C Schulz
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Rated "G" by the Author.
For all of the mothers and fathers that for whatever reason don't get to see their children this Christmas.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Screaming in silence.
As some sing along to Christmas carols and others go on a shopping spree,
There are those who are the actors, alone and screaming silently.
While we laugh and tease the children asking if they've been bad or good,
There are many parents that are alone, in empty solitude.
At work they seem to be just fine and they will laugh and play,
But inside they know that they will be alone on one more Christmas day.
All they want for Christmas is to see their kids again,
for some it's been so very long they can't remember when.
And so they lie and weave a web of how busy they will be,
but they won't bother to decorate, or even buy a tree.
Another Christmas and the gifts are sent and yet again they will not see,
the happy faces of their kids, nor the gifts under the tree.
by Glen C Schulz
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Rated "G" by the Author.
For all of the mothers and fathers that for whatever reason don't get to see their children this Christmas.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Screaming in silence.
As some sing along to Christmas carols and others go on a shopping spree,
There are those who are the actors, alone and screaming silently.
While we laugh and tease the children asking if they've been bad or good,
There are many parents that are alone, in empty solitude.
At work they seem to be just fine and they will laugh and play,
But inside they know that they will be alone on one more Christmas day.
All they want for Christmas is to see their kids again,
for some it's been so very long they can't remember when.
And so they lie and weave a web of how busy they will be,
but they won't bother to decorate, or even buy a tree.
Another Christmas and the gifts are sent and yet again they will not see,
the happy faces of their kids, nor the gifts under the tree.
Parental Rights too Easily Revoked
Wednesday, December 23, 2009 Parental rights too easily revoked
I am writing in response to David Johnson’s letter to the editor as to bills filed to remove a judge and a marital master.
Johnson was quite correct in his letter and many of the citizens of New Hampshire, as well as people from other states, are quite happy to see our Legislature is working toward helping families torn apart by the corruption of DCYF and our judicial system.
Neither Republicans nor Democrats are safe from this corruption. Our children and families lives are at stake. It’s about time someone within our government held DCYF and judges accountable for the illegal practices used against families in the taking of their children.
There is no judicial accountability or lawyer accountability in this state. Judges and lawyers side with their own, as well as DCYF.
My grandson has been placed in a pre-adoptive home, scheduled to be adopted in December. From what I’ve been told, he’s in the same foster home where he was first placed. He’s been put on Adderall since then to calm down his newly found violent behavior.
The administrator in Concord stated in an e-mail to the Administrative Appeals unit that my grandson’s name has been changed. To change a child’s name before he’s adopted is illegal, yet when does DCYF follow the law? They don’t and neither do the probate court judges.
The judges write the opposite of testimony heard in court in their decisions and the Supreme Court goes right along with them, separating children from their families forever. I know this for a fact.
A DCYF worker told my husband and I that parental rights terminations in New Hampshire are never reversed. I myself haven’t seen this happen. She also told us our government gave them the power to do whatever they want to do, no matter how many children they traumatize and families they tear apart.
Do the Supreme Court judges really believe that these probate judges or even District Court judges are perfect? That they are always right? Or is it just a matter of siding with their own?
Something is definitely wrong with the judicial system. I don’t understand how our government can stand by and let this happen to its own people – the people who voted them into office.
I pray the petitions filed can straighten out this mess.
Dorothy Knightly
Nashua
http://www.nashuatelegraph.com/opinion/letters/496741-263/parental-rightstoo-easily-revoked.html
I am writing in response to David Johnson’s letter to the editor as to bills filed to remove a judge and a marital master.
Johnson was quite correct in his letter and many of the citizens of New Hampshire, as well as people from other states, are quite happy to see our Legislature is working toward helping families torn apart by the corruption of DCYF and our judicial system.
Neither Republicans nor Democrats are safe from this corruption. Our children and families lives are at stake. It’s about time someone within our government held DCYF and judges accountable for the illegal practices used against families in the taking of their children.
There is no judicial accountability or lawyer accountability in this state. Judges and lawyers side with their own, as well as DCYF.
My grandson has been placed in a pre-adoptive home, scheduled to be adopted in December. From what I’ve been told, he’s in the same foster home where he was first placed. He’s been put on Adderall since then to calm down his newly found violent behavior.
The administrator in Concord stated in an e-mail to the Administrative Appeals unit that my grandson’s name has been changed. To change a child’s name before he’s adopted is illegal, yet when does DCYF follow the law? They don’t and neither do the probate court judges.
The judges write the opposite of testimony heard in court in their decisions and the Supreme Court goes right along with them, separating children from their families forever. I know this for a fact.
A DCYF worker told my husband and I that parental rights terminations in New Hampshire are never reversed. I myself haven’t seen this happen. She also told us our government gave them the power to do whatever they want to do, no matter how many children they traumatize and families they tear apart.
Do the Supreme Court judges really believe that these probate judges or even District Court judges are perfect? That they are always right? Or is it just a matter of siding with their own?
Something is definitely wrong with the judicial system. I don’t understand how our government can stand by and let this happen to its own people – the people who voted them into office.
I pray the petitions filed can straighten out this mess.
Dorothy Knightly
Nashua
http://www.nashuatelegraph.com/opinion/letters/496741-263/parental-rightstoo-easily-revoked.html
State investigates mental health policy
State investigates mental health policy
The Associated Press
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
December 20, 2009 - 12:00 am
The Department of Health and Human Services has finished investigating a policy that allows young children with mental illnesses to be transferred to a state hospital unit that serves teenagers and adults.
Advocates for children have questioned whether the policy harmed two boys ages 6 and 12 who spent parts of two nights in the adult unit last week under a policy that allows such transfers if the number of patients at the Philbrook Center for children drops below four.
Health and Human Services Commissioner Nick Toumpas told New Hampshire Public Radio that he didn't know anything about the transfer until he read about it in the newspaper. He says he will review the investigation next week and work with those involved to decide what the policy should be going forward.
This article is: 3 days old.
http://www.concordmonitor.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20091220/NEWS01/912200364
The Associated Press
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
December 20, 2009 - 12:00 am
The Department of Health and Human Services has finished investigating a policy that allows young children with mental illnesses to be transferred to a state hospital unit that serves teenagers and adults.
Advocates for children have questioned whether the policy harmed two boys ages 6 and 12 who spent parts of two nights in the adult unit last week under a policy that allows such transfers if the number of patients at the Philbrook Center for children drops below four.
Health and Human Services Commissioner Nick Toumpas told New Hampshire Public Radio that he didn't know anything about the transfer until he read about it in the newspaper. He says he will review the investigation next week and work with those involved to decide what the policy should be going forward.
This article is: 3 days old.
http://www.concordmonitor.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20091220/NEWS01/912200364
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