Board grants summary suspension for RN Olga Kwasnick over substance-use concerns

The Connecticut Nursing Board voted to grant the Department of Public Health—s motion for summary suspension of the nursing license of Olga Kwasnick, RN (petition no. 2025-52), after the department presented evidence the respondent has abused drugs and alcohol and has been diagnosed with mental or emotional disorders.

Department counsel Anthony Nanny told the board the motion and exhibits show Kwasnick—s substance use dates back to at least June 2024 and that the department believes "her continued practice as a nurse represents a clear and immediate danger to the public health and safety" and asked the board to suspend the license until a hearing on the merits.

Board member Cindy Arpin moved to grant the motion; Elizabeth Rivera Rodriguez seconded. During discussion, board member Sal Diaz asked whether the record showed Kwasnick had come to work under the influence; department counsel said the record included sealed treatment notes and that the respondent had indicated in treatment records she "would have to use substances to get through a shift." The board voted by roll call to grant the motion.

The suspension was granted by recorded vote. The board did not call witnesses for the department at the summary-suspension vote and set the matter to proceed to a hearing on the merits consistent with board procedure.

The board—s grant of a summary suspension is an interim administrative action removing the authority to practice pending adjudication; it does not constitute a final determination on the merits of the underlying allegations.