The New York clinic that treated Joan Rivers leading up to a fatal complication during a medical procedure made several mistakes along the way, the Times of Israel reported Tuesday.
The clinic failed to keep proper medication records, and its staff took pictures with the Jewish comedian while she was heavily sedated, state investigators said Monday. Rivers died September 4 at age 81. Shortly after her death, the New York City medical examiner determined Rivers died due to lack of oxygen after she stopped breathing during an endoscopy.
The death is still classified as a therapeutic complication, however, and despite numerous deficiencies related to Rivers' death, negligence was not alleged. The physicians referenced in the report no longer provide services there. The state's report said the clinic "failed to identify deteriorating vital signs and provide timely intervention."
Investigators found conflicting information in Rivers’ medical records regarding the amount of the sedation drug Propofol she was administered and about the time resuscitation was initiated. They also faulted the clinic for allowing a surgeon who was not a member of the medical staff to perform two nose and throat scoping procedures.
Investigators also noted that a staff member took cellphone photos of Rivers and a surgeon while she was under anesthesia without her consent and in violation of the facility’s cellphone policy.