Judge Wendy Morton said the prosecutor proved that hospital vice president Susan Livengood, Patricia Crellin, a psychiatrist, and Shelley M. Van Vianen, a nurse practitioner, were guilty of a misdemeanor for failing to report in a timely manner an alleged sexual abuse of a 23-year-old stroke patient.
The three women, still employed by the hospital, face fines of up to $2,500 and up to six months in jail. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled within 30 days, Morton said.
Charges against a fourth employee, a rehabilitation coordinator, were dropped last week.
Prosecutor Caron Close said in her closing argument that the hospital workers failed the patient and violated a state reporting statute.
The three women sat motionless as Morton read her verdict. They were unavailable for comment.
Scottsdale Healthcare spokesman
Cons: UNSAFE
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