Board summarily suspends RN Yezania Cruz after alleged violations of prior consent order and impaired-practice claims

The Connecticut Nursing Board granted the Department of Public Healthmotion for summary suspension of registered nurse Yezania Cruz (petition number 2025-932) after the department told the board Cruz had violated an earlier consent order and later memorandum of decision. Background and allegations: Attorney Fazena (department) told the board that the board had previously placed Cruz on a four-year probation via a consent order in July 2023 (petition 2023-1230) and later memorialized a memorandum of decision in May 2024 (petition 2024-1754) after violations. The current petition alleges multiple violations, including failure to submit to urine screening when selected, being impaired or unfit for duty on or about 05/14/2025 and abuse or excess use of alcohol on or about 05/14/2025 that may affect nursing practice. Board action: Lisa Freeman moved to grant the summary-suspension motion; Mary seconded. The roll call recorded affirmative votes from board members and the chair announced the summary suspension was granted. Procedural note: The chair explained that if the summary suspension is entered, the respondent cannot practice and will receive notice of a promptly scheduled hearing where she may present evidence and be represented. Why this matters: Allegations that a licensee violated the terms of an existing consent order and was impaired while practicing raise immediate patient-safety concerns; the summary suspension is an interim remedy while the department pursues adjudication. Speakers whose remarks are quoted in this article are listed in the speakers section below.