An Iowa licensed practical nurse (LPN) who worked at the Klein Center nursing facility in West Burlington has been disciplined by the Iowa Board of Nursing following an incident involving a resident who later died.
According to a settlement agreement approved by the Board, Samantha Smith responded to a resident who appeared to be choking on December 5, 2025. The Board found that after the initial response, Smith did not perform additional vital sign assessments and moved the resident to their bedroom, placing them in bed with a CPAP machine. Another nurse checked on the resident later that evening and found the patient hyperventilating with purplish lips and skin, indicating a lack of oxygen in their blood. Although 911 was called, the resident died before emergency responders arrived.
The Board charged Smith with failing to properly assess, document, evaluate, or report the patient’s condition, and with committing an act or omission that may have adversely affected the patient’s welfare. Rather than contest the allegations, Smith entered into a settlement agreement acknowledging the allegations would constitute grounds for discipline if proven.
As part of the Board’s final order, Smith received a citation and warning that future violations could result in additional disciplinary action. She must also complete 15 hours of Board-approved continuing education focused on patient assessment. The disciplinary order was approved June 17, 2026, and becomes part of her permanent licensure record. Her Iowa practical nursing license remains active.