Board grants summary suspension for RN Amy Hanson; case assigned to hearing officer

The Department of Public Health moved for a summary suspension of RN Amy Hanson, alleging excessive alcohol use, attempts to bring a controlled substance (Xanax) to a hospitalized patient, an OUI arrest and failure to report required events to the department. Joelle Newton presented the department’s reasons and cited statutory authority for emergency suspension.

Board member Dr. Salvatore Diaz moved to grant the motion, and Cindy Arpin seconded. Members discussed whether the matter should go to a hearing officer or a panel; attorney Liz Bannon explained that the statute permits assignment to a hearing officer for certain allegations (including abuse or excessive use of drugs) and noted that a hearing officer may be a single board member. Given the nature of the allegations and board capacity, the board voted to grant the summary suspension and to assign the case to a hearing officer. Susan Yan recused from this matter. The hearing will be scheduled and the respondent will receive notice of the hearing date. No final disciplinary determination was made at the meeting.