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Nursing board grants summary suspension for Anna M. Valente, RN
Summary
The Nursing Board granted the Department of Public Health's motion to summarily suspend Anna M. Valente’s nursing license (petition number 2024-1532), citing the department's assertion that her continued practice would be a danger to public health; a hearing will be scheduled and Valente requested a continuance for medical reasons.
The Nursing Board voted unanimously to grant the Department of Public Health’s motion to summarily suspend the license of Anna M. Valente, RN (petition number 2024Dash1532), saying the department believes Valente “represents a clear and immediate danger to the public health and safety” if allowed to continue practicing.
The department’s attorney, Attorney Nanny, told the board that Valente was hospitalized in August 2024 and that a referral to Haven followed but the respondent did not engage. The department recorded indications that Valente was “abusing and or using alcohol during work shifts,” and said the record is limited because Valente refused to participate in Haven’s or the department’s investigative processes. The department said Valente asked for, and was granted, extensions after an initial deadline of 01/31/2025 but did not respond until after the deadline and later indicated she preferred to go to a hearing.
Valente disputed the characterization. She told the board she has been on medical leave and retired, saying, “I was on a medical leave and I'm retired,” and that she had not been working during much of the period the referral cited. Valente said she had recent surgeries and asked the board for more time to secure counsel and recover. Assistant Attorney General Liz Bannon explained that if the board grants a summary suspension, the department must promptly institute proceedings on the underlying statement of charges and that a hearing could be scheduled for the next board meeting (identified in the meeting as April 2) unless continued.
Board member Mary Dieteman moved to grant the summary suspension “as the respondent represents a clear and immediate danger to the public health and safety if allowed to continue the practice of nursing.” Cindy seconded. The board took a roll call and Cindy, Sal, Mary, Lisa Freeman and Chair Gina Reiner all voted aye.
After the vote the board and department agreed to schedule the underlying hearing in a few months to accommodate Valente’s request for time to obtain counsel and recover from recent surgeries; the department said it would not object to a continuance. The board chair and counsel reminded Valente that her license will remain suspended until the hearing.
