Medical error case becomes a political battleground ahead of key primary

The criminal conviction of a former nurse over a medication error that led to a patient’s death has ignited controversy in the Nashville district attorney race. RaDonda Vaught, 38, was found guilty of criminally negligent homicide and gross neglect last week after a jury determined her actions caused the death of 75-year-old Charlene Murphey in December 2017.

Vaught had mistakenly administered vecuronium, a paralysing drug, instead of the sedative Versed while attempting to calm Murphey ahead of a PET scan. The error occurred when Vaught used an override to access the drug from an automatic dispensing cabinet but failed to identify the medication properly. She did not notice the warning on the drug’s container nor that the drug was a powder requiring reconstitution. Vaught also did not monitor Murphey for an adverse reaction.

The case has split opinion, with nursing and patient safety groups opposing the decision to criminally prosecute a medical mistake. Critics argue that such legal action will deter healthcare workers from admitting errors, ultimately jeopardising patient safety. Two candidates vying to replace Glenn Funk as Nashville’s district attorney — P. Danielle Nellis and Sara Beth Myers — have both criticised the prosecution.

Nellis labelled the error as “a classic medical malpractice issue that should have been resolved as such,” suggesting that Funk may be allowing political factors to influence his legal decisions. Myers, meanwhile, pledged not to pursue criminal charges against medical professionals for unintentional mistakes that constitute civil malpractice.

Funk has countered these criticisms, emphasising that Vaught’s actions go far beyond a simple error. In a pointed response, Funk highlighted 18 separate failings on Vaught’s part leading to Murphey’s death. Funk also stated that Vaught’s conviction ensures she will never return to the medical profession — a result that aligns with Murphey’s family’s wishes.

Murphey’s daughter-in-law, Chandra Murphey, expressed mixed emotions in a statement released by Funk’s office, describing the politicisation of the case as “humiliating, degrading, and retraumatizing.”

The DA candidates, with their primary set for 3 May, now find themselves grappling with a polarising issue that could shape voter sentiment. Myers has already heard concerns from healthcare professionals worried about future legal risks under Funk’s administration. She has questioned the value of pursuing a high-profile case such as this, arguing that resources should instead focus on violent crimes and other urgent safety concerns.

“How does the prosecution of this healthcare provider make our community safer?” Myers asked, criticising what she views as an attempt by Funk to gain attention through this case.

With the district attorney’s role set for an eight-year term and no Republican challengers in sight, the outcome of the primary could cement how Nashville addresses the intersection of healthcare and the legal system moving forward.