Department of Public Health nursing board approves multiple memoranda of decision; revokes three licenses, modifies one probation and lifts a suspension

At a meeting of the Department of Public Health’s nursing board chaired by Gina Reiner, the board approved several memoranda of decision affecting licensed registered nurses, including three revocations and one probation order with a vacated summary suspension.

The board approved a memorandum of decision to revoke the license of Alexander Kavanoff, RN (petition no. 2023‑249). Attorney Costello appeared for the respondent and asked the board to remove language from the MOD that she said could be read as implying fraud. Attorney Costello argued the respondent “had no idea at the time that this was not an accredited program” and asked that phrasing such as “should have known” be redacted. The department’s counsel, Joelle Newton, responded that the charges included an allegation that the respondent “knew or should have known” and that the board’s fact finding supported that language. After discussion the board voted to approve the MOD as written. A motion to approve the MOD was made by board member Mary and seconded by board member Cindy. Roll call votes recorded the following: Cindy — aye; Sal — aye; Mary — aye; Lisa Freeman — not present for roll call but later recorded as not voting on this item; Camille Epstein — aye; Diane — aye; Gina Reiner — aye. The motion carried and the MOD was signed.

The board also approved memoranda of decision to revoke the licenses of Liza Paulson, RN (petition no. 2019‑1389) and Juliette A. Cole, RN (petition no. 2024‑657). Both MODs were moved by board member Mary and seconded (Paulson by Sal; Cole by Lisa). Roll call votes for each item recorded unanimous ayes from those present; Gina Reiner announced each MOD had passed.

Separately, the board adopted a modified memorandum of decision for Jamie Pelletier, RN (petition no. 2023‑1062). The department requested changes to the MOD’s tolling language for the four‑year probation so that the probationary period would be tolled while the respondent practiced nursing outside Connecticut with prior written notice to the department and would not be counted toward satisfying the probationary period unless the respondent returned to practice in Connecticut and served the remaining probation conditions. Board member Mary moved to approve the MOD with the department’s proposed paragraph‑5 modification; board member Sal seconded. The motion passed by roll call (Cindy — aye; Sal — aye; Mary — aye; Lisa Freeman — aye; Camille — aye; Diane — aye; Gina Reiner — aye). After adopting the MOD, the board voted to vacate and lift Pelletier’s summary suspension. Board member Cindy moved to vacate the summary suspension (motion seconded by Mary); the roll call vote was recorded as unanimous aye by members present.

Board members and counsel repeatedly noted that these actions followed full hearings or preexisting factfinding. Attorneys for respondents were given limited opportunity to argue about wording in MODs or to request redactions; the board’s counsel and chair advised that changes to the written decision should not contradict findings made after the contested hearing. Attorney Liz Bannon advised the board that if the MOD “accurately reflects their findings and conclusions, the board should approve the MOD.”

The board did not take additional remedies beyond the written MODs at the meeting. Several board members emphasized consistency across similar cases and the board’s role in applying the evidence-driven findings from previous hearings.

Votes at a glance

- Alexander Kavanoff, RN (petition no. 2023‑249): Motion to approve MOD (revocation). Moved: Mary. Seconded: Cindy. Outcome: approved (roll call recorded ayes from members present; MOD signed).

- Jamie Pelletier, RN (petition no. 2023‑1062): Motion to approve MOD with modified tolling language (four‑year probation). Moved: Mary. Seconded: Sal. Outcome: approved (roll call unanimous among members present). Subsequent motion to vacate summary suspension for Pelletier: moved Cindy; second Mary; outcome: vacated/lifted (unanimous among members present).

- Liza (Liza/Liza) Paulson, RN (petition no. 2019‑1389): Motion to approve MOD (revocation). Moved: Mary. Seconded: Sal. Outcome: approved (roll call recorded ayes from members present).

- Juliette A. Cole, RN (petition no. 2024‑657): Motion to approve MOD (revocation). Moved: Mary. Seconded: Lisa. Outcome: approved (roll call recorded ayes from members present).

Why it matters

Board MODs formalize the board’s findings and are the operative public record of disciplinary outcomes. The wording of an MOD can affect collateral consequences, including how other agencies interpret a licensee’s conduct, so respondents’ counsel and department counsel often spar over the precise language even when the outcome is not being re‑litigated.

What’s next

The approved MODs will be signed and entered into the board’s record. Respondents may seek whatever relief their counsel advises by administrative or judicial means if they contend the written decisions misstate fact or law. The board did not schedule further action on these specific matters during the meeting.