Former Certified Nursing Assistant Indicted Following Patient’s Death During Lift Transfer: Lessons for Healthcare Workers

The case involving Diamond Johnson, a former certified nursing assistant in Louisiana, is a testament of how important patient-transfer safety is in healthcare.

According to the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office, Johnson was working at Jefferson Manor in June 2024 when she used a hydraulic lift to transfer a patient from a chair to a bed. Authorities allege that the patient slipped from the sling during the transfer and suffered fat@l injuries.

Johnson was later indicted by a grand jury for negligent h0m!cide in October 2025. The investigation was reported as ongoing.

Regardless of the outcome of the case, there are important lessons here for healthcare practitioners and caregivers.

1. Follow the proper transfer procedure.
Patient lifts are designed to make transfers safer, but they must be used according to training, facility policy and the patient’s care plan.

2. Know when you need assistance.
If a transfer requires two caregivers or additional support, don’t take shortcuts. Asking for help can protect both the patient and the caregiver.

3. Check the sling and equipment carefully.
Proper sling placement, positioning and equipment checks are essential before lifting a patient.

4. Never let pressure or a busy shift encourage unsafe practices. A rushed transfer can have serious consequences. Patient safety should come before speed.

Healthcare workers carry an enormous responsibility because many patients depend on them for even the most basic movements.

What do you think healthcare facilities can do to further improve patient-transfer safety?
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