Hospital sued after drug addict nurse allegedly causes death of two patients
A federal lawsuit filed by two nurses-turned-whistleblowers at Heritage Valley Sewickley Hospital accuses the hospital of ignoring problems with a drug- and alcohol-addicted nurse, whose actions allegedly led to the deaths of two patients.
Filed by Jennifer Duckett and Samantha Gallo in April 2025, the complaint was opened by a U.S. District Court earlier this month. Listed as defendants are the hospital itself, as well as clinical leaders working at the facility.
The nurse who allegedly had the issue with substance abuse, Nolan Chismire, is also named as a defendant. Chismire worked in the emergency department at Heritage Valley until early 2026, when federal investigators took an interest in the case, the plaintiffs contend.
It is alleged that he brazenly stole “controlled substances from Heritage Valley to satiate his known drug addiction,” the complaint reads. The complaint alleges reports about Chismire's alleged theft were ignored by leadership.
Further, the plaintiffs claim that Chismire continued to steal drugs even after federal investigators visited the facility earlier this year to conduct an investigation.
In a report on the case, Penn Live said neither Chismire nor Heritage Valley’s CEO returned a request for comment.
Providing details from court documents, the outlet said the hospital is officially accused of engaging in fraudulent billing to cover up the drug diversions and make it appear they were used for medically valid purposes.
It’s not clear if Chismire was ever fired, and the facts in the case remain in dispute. This includes the two deaths allegedly linked to the nurse: A 70-year-old woman, said to have died in 2024, and a 47-year-old man who passed away at an unspecified date.
The former allegedly died after Chismire failed to provide care “for hours after her arrival,” culminating in an unspecified “medical error” that ultimately killed her.
As for the man, he was allegedly neglected after coming to the emergency room with symptoms related to alcohol withdrawal. After reportedly not receiving care, he left and was found dead in his car from a head injury.
Plaintiffs are seeking damages, both compensatory and punitive.
For more, read Penn Live’s full report at the link below.
Chad is an award-winning writer and editor with over 15 years of experience working in media. He has a decade-long professional background in healthcare, working as a writer and in public relations.