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RNA is accused of abusing patients

Woman may work until hearing in August

By Marissa Harshman, Columbian Health Reporter
Published: March 13, 2011, 12:00am

The state Department of Health has charged a Vancouver registered nursing assistant with unprofessional conduct for allegedly rubbing a soiled disposable brief in the face of a woman for whom she was caring, among other abusive behavior.

The state is accusing Susan Meade, 60, of physically and mentally abusing two residents at an adult family home in early 2009. The charges are the result of a state Department of Social and Health Services investigation and a subsequent investigation by the Department of Health.

DSHS investigated the allegations and issued its final findings in May 2010. The findings from the investigation alleged that Meade physically and mentally abused vulnerable adults.

The Department of Health launched its own investigation after receiving the DSHS findings and last month charged Meade with unprofessional conduct. Meade requested a hearing to defend herself against the accusations. The hearing is scheduled for August.

The six-month interval from when the charging documents were served to the hearing is to allow time for both sides to prepare, said Robin Bucknell, a case manager for the health department’s investigation and inspection office.

In the meantime, Meade’s credentials remain active, and she can continue to work as a registered nursing assistant, said Allison Cook, a spokeswoman for the health department.

The DSHS findings, however, prevent Meade from working in a position that involves the care of vulnerable adults or allows Meade to have unsupervised access to vulnerable adults.

Meade could not be reached for comment. It’s unclear if she is currently employed.

The incidents took place while Meade worked at Angelbrook Estates Adult Family Home in Salmon Creek. The facility is now operated by a different owner, who purchased the business 15 months ago, and under a different name. Meade never worked for the new owner.

According to the DSHS findings, Meade physically abused a vulnerable woman living at Angelbrook Estates in February 2009. Meade rubbed a soiled disposable brief in the woman’s face, according to the findings.

The findings say Meade then mentally abused the woman on March 31, 2009, by yelling at her, threatening her and calling her a derogatory name. Meade mentally abused the woman again on April 11, 2009, by calling the woman a derogatory name, according to the findings.

Meade mentally abused a second woman by ridiculing her and calling her a derogatory name, according to the DSHS findings. Meade abused a third woman by calling her a derogatory name, according to the findings.

The Department of Health charges address only Meade’s actions against two of the residents included in the DSHS investigation.

After the hearing on the Department of Health charges, Meade could face additional discipline from suspension to revocation of her credentials, Cook said. The state could also elect to drop the charges or settle the case prior to the hearing, she said.

Currently, there is no criminal investigation into the allegations of abuse.

Marissa Harshman: 360-735-4546 or marissa.harshman@columbian.com.

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Columbian Health Reporter