A former Arizona certified nursing assistant is under investigation after being accused of raping a long-term care facility patient and impregnating her. Weeks after a series of incidents, state authorities pursued two related complaints and launched an investigation into the accused individual after the facility failed to take action. If you're a licensed CNA defending against misconduct allegations, call the Lento Law Firm Professional License Defense team at 888-535-3686 or reach out online now. 

Arizona CNA Surrenders License Following Investigation 

Regarding multiple intimate encounters, court documents contend that a male nursing assistant admitted to having sex with a female patient at Arizona's Palm Valley Post Acute but told the state board's investigator it was “consensual.” However, several complaints to the Arizona Department of Health Services (AZDHS), the Arizona Board of Nursing (AZBN), and local law enforcement assert a pattern of incidents that the long-term care facility failed to report. 

In late November 2023, the AZBN received two complaints about the male nursing assistant. Just days before the AZBN was notified, AZDHS conducted a week-long investigation into the alleged sexual abuse at Palm Valley Post Acute. In January 2024, the nursing assistant voluntarily surrendered their Arizona CNA license after being fired in late November following a week of suspension. 

Sexual Relationships Threaten CNA Licenses  

Despite the nature of consent, sexual relationships in the confines of professional healthcare are strictly prohibited. Licensees in any state must follow guidelines that will establish what constitutes inappropriate relationships with colleagues or clients. For instance, the AZBN has various terms for situations that can be precursors to misconduct, like boundary crossings and boundary violations. 

The state board explains that not all boundary violations are regarded as or lead to inappropriate sexual conduct or a relationship that violates the rules, but "once they have occurred, there is a greater possibility of sexual misconduct." For example, “slippery slope” situations, the board claims. While licensees may be aware of not engaging in sexual or even emotionally intimate relationships with patients or clients, that rule extends to anyone formerly under the CNA's care. 

How Can the Lento Law Firm Help? 

CNAs have invested time and money into obtaining their license to practice. Any allegation can lead to a long and exhaustive grievance process by the state board, and complaints can originate from any anonymous individual, beginning a process that can take months to resolve, causing immense stress for healthcare professionals. We will ensure that you understand how your state licensing board will analyze different types of relationships and how you can defend against disciplinary action. 

Our team of attorneys has worked with hundreds of licensed healthcare professionals to defend them against allegations of misconduct and other actions against their credentials. To achieve the best outcome for your case, call the Lento Law Firm Professional License Defense Team at 888-535-3686 now or use our confidential online contact form.