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 training needed for an associate degree in nursing. The board voted to grant the motion for summary suspension. The motion was made by board member Cindy Arpin and seconded by Elizabeth Rivera Rodriguez; a roll call recorded all five voting members present as "aye." George appeared at the meeting and asked how the department had established immediate danger; board members and the board's legal advisor repeatedly told her she would receive a prompt hearing to present evidence.

- Samuel Alexander Hatti (RN). Newton said Hatti had previously been subject to a consent order related in part to diversion and substance issues and that he had failed to submit required therapy reports and drug screens; records included a urine test on June 19, 2025, that was positive for marijuana metabolites and multiple missed screens in June and July 2025, the department said. The board granted the summary suspension; the motion was made by Salvatore Diaz, seconded by Elizabeth Rivera Rodriguez, and approved by roll call.

- Emily G. Anatone (RN). Anatone told the board she had been seeking time to submit paperwork to voluntarily surrender her license. The board was advised that even if a licensee chooses to surrender before a hearing, a summary suspension remains effective immediately if granted. The board voted to grant the department's motion for summary suspension; Cindy Arpin moved and Elizabeth Rivera Rodriguez seconded the motion. Anatone was told how to submit notarized surrender paperwork to DPH and that the hearing office would work with her on scheduling if she sought a continuance.

- Funmi (Fumie) Williams (RN). DPH informed the board it had filed both a notice withdrawing the statement of charges and a separate withdrawal of the motion for summary suspension regarding Williams (petition 2025-389). The board approved receipt of both notices in separate votes after a motion from Elizabeth Rivera Rodriguez and a second by Cindy Arpin.

Due process and next steps

Board legal advisor Assistant Attorney General Alina Brooklyn Goldstein told respondents the motions for summary suspension were decided on the department's allegations of immediate danger and that each respondent would receive an evidentiary hearing at which they could present witnesses, documentary evidence and cross-examine departmental witnesses. "You will have the ability to testify, as will the Department of Public Health," Goldstein said, describing the forthcoming process.

The board chair, Gina Reiner, and other members repeatedly emphasized that a summary suspension is an interim administrative action and that respondents retain the right to a hearing. For cases in which respondents indicated they wished to surrender, DPH staff described the surrender form and notarization process and said the hearing office would schedule or postpone hearings as requested.

Meeting context and attendance

The votes occurred during a regularly scheduled public meeting in which the board also handled administrative matters and school-business agenda items. Attorney Joel Newton presented the departmental motions; Goldstein provided legal guidance; board members who spoke on the motions included Cindy Arpin, Salvatore Diaz, Elizabeth Rivera Rodriguez and Diane Whitley. Several respondents appeared or identified themselves during the proceedings.

What the board did not decide

The board did not adjudicate the underlying charges in these matters; it only acted on the department's requests for interim, protective suspensions or on the department's withdrawal of charges. Formal findings will be determined, if necessary, at later evidentiary hearings.

Votes at a glance

- Rochelle George (petitions 2025-298, 2025-299): summary suspension granted. Motion by Cindy Arpin; second Elizabeth Rivera Rodriguez. Roll call: Cindy Arpin (aye), Salvatore Diaz (aye), Elizabeth Rivera Rodriguez (aye), Diane Whitley (aye), Gina Reiner (aye).

- Samuel Alexander Hatti (petition 2025-1110): summary suspension granted. Motion by Salvatore Diaz; second Elizabeth Rivera Rodriguez. Roll call: Cindy Arpin (aye), Salvatore Diaz (aye), Elizabeth Rivera Rodriguez (aye), Diane Whitley (aye), Gina Reiner (aye).

- Funmi (Fumie) Williams (petition 2025-389): Department withdrew statement of charges and withdrew motion for summary suspension; board acknowledged both withdrawals after separate motions (motion by Elizabeth Rivera Rodriguez; second Cindy Arpin). Roll call votes approved both withdrawals.

- Emily G. Anatone (petition 2025-980): summary suspension granted. Motion by Cindy Arpin; second Elizabeth Rivera Rodriguez. Roll call: Cindy Arpin (aye), Salvatore Diaz (aye), Elizabeth Rivera Rodriguez (aye), Diane Whitley (aye), Gina Reiner (aye).

For follow-up

Respondents or their representatives may contact the Department of Public Health hearing office for filing instructions, hearing dates and surrender paperwork. The board and DPH will schedule evidentiary hearings to address the underlying statements of charges where applicable.