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Board of Examiners of Nursing approves several disciplinary orders, amends charges and adds summary suspensions
Summary
At its Jan. 15 meeting the Board of Examiners for Nursing approved a memorandum of decision, granted summary suspensions for two nurses, and amended a statement of charges; votes were unanimous among members present and DPH counsel presented investigative bases for each action.
The Board of Examiners for Nursing voted on multiple disciplinary actions at a public meeting on Jan. 15, 2025, approving a memorandum of decision, ordering two summary suspensions and granting an amendment to a statement of charges.
The board adopted the memorandum of decision in petition 2023-851 concerning Christina Jankowski, RN, after attorneys debated language in the draft that one defense counsel called broader than the statement of charges. Attorney Alan Costello, representing the respondent, said the MOD’s language—specifically lines describing that the respondent "abused or used narcotics or chemicals"—went beyond what the statement of charges had alleged and would stay on the nurse’s record indefinitely. "I think to basically slander her in this statement... is simply a misstatement," Costello said. Assistant Attorney General Liz Bannon and staff counsel said the MOD language tracked the statutory wording cited in the statement of charges. On roll call the board recorded ayes from Sal Diaz, Mary Dieteman, Camille Payne, Elizabeth (RN member) and Chair Gina Reiner; the MOD passed as presented.
The board then considered and approved summary-suspension motions filed by the Department of Public Health (DPH). DPH attorney Joelle Newton described the department’s motion for Amanda Espinosa (LPN, petition 2024-35), citing a prior consent order, probation terms, admitted use of alcohol and marijuana, and failures to submit to random urine screens; the department argued Espinosa "represents a threat to the public health and safety." Elizabeth moved to grant the motion, Camille seconded, and the board recorded unanimous ayes from members present, passing the summary suspension.
Separately, the board granted DPH’s motion for summary suspension of Laura L. Stewart (RN, petition 2024-1756). Attorney Anthony Nanny summarized the respondent’s prior consent order and recent positive tests for fentanyl and norfentanyl (dates cited in DPH materials). The board voted, again recording unanimous ayes among members present, and the suspension was ordered.
The board also voted to amend the statement of charges against Louis H. Alfaro (LPN, petition 2023-1256) after the department reported new information from the respondent’s former employer indicating termination of privileges. Elizabeth moved to accept the amended charges and Sal seconded; the board approved the amendment by roll call.
What happens next DPH counsel indicated cases will proceed to further administrative process (hearings or final orders) as appropriate under the department’s procedures. Where DPH seeks final discipline beyond interim suspension, additional hearings or filings will follow.
Votes at a glance - Christina Jankowski (petition 2023-851): memorandum of decision approved; roll call Ayes: Sal Diaz, Mary Dieteman, Camille Payne, Elizabeth, Gina Reiner. - Amanda Espinosa (LPN, petition 2024-35): summary suspension ordered; roll call Ayes: Sal Diaz, Mary Dieteman, Camille Payne, Elizabeth, Gina Reiner. - Laura L. Stewart (RN, petition 2024-1756): summary suspension ordered; roll call Ayes: Sal Diaz, Mary Dieteman, Camille Payne, Elizabeth, Gina Reiner. - Luis H. Alfaro (LPN, petition 2023-1256): motion to amend statement of charges granted; roll call Ayes: Sal Diaz, Mary Dieteman, Camille Payne, Elizabeth, Gina Reiner.
The board announced scheduling steps for pending evidentiary hearings and reminded parties that amended charges remain allegations until proven at hearing.
