DPH board orders summary suspension of RN Dana I. White pending hearing

The Department of Public Health asked the board to summarily suspend the registered-nurse license of Dana I. White on Feb. 18, 2026, saying staff records show White violated a consent-order probation by testing positive after consuming a food item that contained alcohol.

Julianne Kataya, staff attorney for the Professional Licensure Compliance Office at the Department of Public Health, told the board that White holds registered-nurse license E58780, which was placed on probation under a December 2024 consent order (petition 20241184). Kataya said the consent order required abstinence from alcohol and negative random urine screens and that on or about Aug. 10, 2025 White consumed a food item containing alcohol, yielding a positive test on Aug. 11, 2025. "The department believes that respondent's continued practice as a nurse represents a clear and immediate danger to the public health and safety and requests that the Board summarily suspend her license until a hearing on the merits can be held," Kataya said.

Cindy Arpin, an RN member of the board, moved to grant the Department's motion for summary suspension, repeating staff's characterization that the respondent "represents a clear and immediate danger to the public health and safety" and suggesting the matter proceed before a hearing officer because the matter "does not appear to involve patient care." Mary Dieteman seconded the motion.

Chair Gina Reiners called for discussion; none was offered. The board took a roll-call vote and all voting members present—Cindy Arpin, Sal Diaz, Mary Dieteman, Camille Paine and Chair Gina Reiners—voted aye. The motion passed and the board ordered a summary suspension of White's RN license pending a hearing on the merits.

The board opened its public-comment period but recorded no speakers. Members then confirmed who would attend the merits hearing scheduled for 10:30 a.m. the same day and adjourned the meeting at 8:44 a.m.

The Department's request and the board's action are recorded under petition number 2025-1229. A merits hearing is scheduled; further action and any administrative record from that hearing will provide additional factual findings and legal determinations.