Connecticut Department of Public Health asks to revoke LPN Margaret A. Montero’s license after Dec. medication errors

Hearing officer Aiden Baum said on April 7 that he would continue a public disciplinary hearing after finding the respondent had been properly notified and failed to appear. "Given that testimony, I find sufficient notice has been given to the respondent who has failed to appear at the specified time and location," Baum said, and the hearing proceeded in the respondent's absence.

Anthony Nanni, an attorney for the Connecticut Department of Public Health, presented the department's case and asked that the license of practical nurse Margaret A. Montero be revoked. Nanni said the department's exhibits include an investigative report (docket no. 2025-1769), statements from facility staff, medication error reports, investigator notes and security footage from Dec. 7, 2025. "A video of respondent on duty which shows her unsteady and disposing of medication after removing it from a locked box," Nanni said, summarizing the department's evidence. He told the hearing officer the allegations involve substance use, failure to administer medicines as ordered, and failure to keep accurate patient records.

Brett Karpuska, administrative assistant and board liaison to the Board of Examiners for Nursing, testified about noticing and scheduling. She said the office sent a notice of hearing by email and by U.S. mail (regular and certified) to the respondent's last known address and that the matter was re-noticed for April 7 after initially being scheduled for April 1.

Because the respondent did not file an answer and did not appear, the department moved to deem the allegations admitted; Baum granted that motion under section 19a-9-20 of the regulations of Connecticut state agencies. With the record closed, Baum said he will prepare a proposed memorandum of decision for the full Board of Examiners for Nursing. "The proposed memorandum of decision will be transmitted to the parties prior to the board's consideration," he said. Any party adversely affected may file exceptions and present briefs or oral argument to the board before it issues a final decision.

The department asked that Montero’s license to practice as a practical nurse in Connecticut be revoked. The hearing officer did not issue a final board decision at the hearing; he will issue a proposed decision to the board for its consideration. The respondent’s absence and the department’s motion to deem the allegations admitted are recorded in the hearing transcript and evidence list.