Arizona nurse charged with sexual assault of patient in vegetative state

A nurse at a Phoenix-based Hacienda HealthCare facility was arrested Jan. 22 for allegedly raping and impregnating a patient in a vegetative state, according to the Arizona Republic.

Advertisement

Police charged 36-year-old Nathan Sutherland with sexual assault and abuse to a vulnerable adult. He was taken into custody after a DNA sample matched one taken from the 29-year-old victim’s baby.

Mr. Sutherland is a licensed practical nurse who joined Hacienda HealthCare in 2011. He was primarily responsible for caring for the patient involved in the alleged assault.

Phoenix police Sgt. Tommy Thompson said investigators are still trying to determine whether other patients were assaulted at the care facility, according to Arizona Republic. Hacienda HealthCare also hired a former attorney to investigate the alleged assault and the facility’s security practices.

More articles on legal and regulatory issues:

Walgreens pays $269M to settle billing fraud lawsuits
14 latest healthcare industry lawsuits, settlements
UnitedHealth sues dozens of drug companies for price-fixing

 

At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.

Download Whitepaper

The cost-saving opportunity most health systems overlook

Many hospitals and health systems scrutinize staffing, service lines, and payer contracts for savings. Fewer look at one of their largest assets: real estate.…

Advertisement

Next Up in Legal & Regulatory Issues

Advertisement

Comments are closed.