Rodebush Ex Rel. Rodebush v. Oklahoma Nursing Homes, Ltd.

SUMMERS, Justice:

The jury concluded that an intoxicated nurse’s aide slapped an Alzheimer’s patient in the face while bathing him, and awarded punitive damages in the sum of $1.2 million against the nursing home. The nursing home appeals. We affirm.

The defendant’s theories on appeal are these: (1) as employer it must not be held responsible for the intentional tort of its employee; (2) there was no clear and convincing evidence, as required by statute, showing ■ conduct that would allow open-ended punitive damages; and (3) the Oklahoma punitive damages regimen violates the defendant’s right…