For immediate release: October 2, 2009 (09-160)

Contacts:
Robin Bucknell, Investigation and Inspection Office  360-236-4655
Allison Cook, Communications Office  360-236-4022

Sexual contact with patient leads to immediate license suspension
Kitsap County health care provider allegedly took advantage of vulnerable patient

OLYMPIA - Sexual misconduct charges have led the state Department of Health to immediately suspend the certified nursing assistant credential of John Patrick Marion.

This action, called a summary suspension, means Marion (NAC.NC.10027967) cannot practice or be employed as a nursing assistant in Washington, pending the outcome of a hearing.

The allegations say Marion inappropriately touched and kissed the breasts and genitals of a former patient, who lived in a facility where Marion previously worked. Marion met the patient while she was out of the facility on an approved excursion with another resident. Marion invited the wheelchair-bound patient to his hotel room, and she accepted.

Legal documents also say while in the hotel room, Marion asked the patient if she wanted to have sex. She said no, but Marion removed her from her wheelchair, put her on the bed, took off her clothes, and kissed her breasts and genitals.

Marion has 20 days to request a hearing. Charging documents are online; click “Provider Credential Search” on the agency home page (www.doh.wa.gov) or call 360-236-4700.

The department protects and promotes public health, safety, and welfare in Washington by regulating the competency and quality of nursing assistants. Rules, policies, and procedures developed by the secretary of health promote the delivery of quality health care in the state.

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