Board asks Department of Public Health to investigate Goodwin University LPN program after outside complaint

Board members on Oct. 1 asked the Department of Public Health to review an emailed complaint about Goodwin University’s practical‑nursing (LPN) program and to consider unannounced site visits, student interviews and records requests. The complaint — submitted to DPH staff and summarized to the board — raised concerns that lab/simulation hours were being used in lieu of required clinical placements.

Board discussion
- Department staff member Helen Smith told the board she received a message about Goodwin’s program and informed the university’s point person; the message included named allegations that prompted concern about multiple programs (practical nursing and registered‑nurse tracks) and clinical site practices.
- Board members said they were especially concerned because school nursing and LPN training often require unsupervised clinical work and earlier local history has made members vigilant. Members asked DPH to consider unannounced visits to the LPN program locations (East Hartford and Bridgeport) and to review clinical‑attendance records, student lists, and clinical‑hours reports.
- Cindy Arpin and Salvatore Diaz specifically requested that DPH ask for student rosters, documented clinical hours, sign‑in sheets for clinical placements, and employer/faculty reports during any inspection.

Department response and next steps
- Helen Smith and Dana Dalton (DPH) said they would review the complaint, gather clinical‑site information and discuss whether an unannounced visit is warranted. DPH confirmed that program changes (including a change in program administration) are reportable to the board and that program notices usually appear in the secure packet for board review; the relevant regulation requires notice and a summary of qualifications for a new administrator but does not prescribe a strict timeline.
- The board did not vote; members asked DPH to investigate and return to the board with findings or to request Goodwin appear at a later meeting.

Ending note
- DPH said it will determine whether further action — records requests, unannounced visits, or invitation to present at a future board meeting — is warranted and will coordinate any visits with its education‑program staff.