Connecticut nursing board grants summary suspensions for three licensees; withdraws one set of charges

The Connecticut nursing board voted Wednesday to grant motions for summary suspension for three licensed nurses and to accept the Department of Public Health's notice withdrawing charges in a fourth matter.

The board granted summary-suspension motions filed by the Department of Public Health (DPH) against Rochelle George (petitions 2025-298 and 2025-299), Samuel Alexander Hatti (petition 2025-1110) and Emily G. Anatone (petition 2025-980). The board also recorded receipt of a departmental withdrawal of the statement of charges and of the motion for summary suspension in the case of Funmi (Fumie) Williams (petition 2025-389).

DPH attorney Joel Newton told the board the department brought the motions under state statute because it believed the respondents posed imminent risks to public health. "The department . . . feels, based on its information and belief, that there is a presence that the respondent represents a clear and present and immediate danger to the public health and safety," Newton said when presenting the George matter, citing Connecticut General Statutes referenced in the hearing.

Why it matters

A summary suspension temporarily removes a licensee's ability to practice while the department pursues formal charges and an evidentiary hearing. The board's vote does not decide guilt or innocence; it determines only whether the licensing authority has shown sufficient immediate risk to justify a removal of practice privileges pending further proceedings.

What the board decided and why

- Rochelle George (RN, APRN). Attorney Newton told the board DPH's information suggested George had not completed required program hours and clinical…