TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) -- State investigators have found that nurses' failure to communicate with doctors contributed to the deaths of two Tucson patients and led to substandard care of at least 30 others.

Each of the patients received care from one of four Tucson home health-care agencies.

Dependable Home Health was fined six thousand dollars for violations of Arizona Department of Health Services rules.

University Medical Center Home Health was fined three thousand dollars, Heritage Home Healthcare of Arizona was fined three thousand dollars and Interim Healthcare was fined $1400.

The agencies are in good standing with state regulators after taking corrective measures.

Dependable Home Health's violations involved 16 patients, including one who died after a nurse violated patient-care rules.

University Medical Center Home Health was involved in the death of 87-year-old Gertrude Brackett, who died after the assisted-living home where she lived neglected her bedsores and allowed her to become dehydrated.

(Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)