Nursing board to review case involving Scottsdale hospital

The actions of two of three employees of Scottsdale Healthcare Osborn hospital who were found guilty this week of failing to immediately report an alleged sexual assault will be under review by the Arizona State Board of Nursing.

3 found guilty in Scottsdale hospital case

Charge dismissed against 1 of 4 hospital workers

4 on trial in suspected hospital sex assault

Sue Livengood, associate vice president of Scottsdale Healthcare Osborn, and Shelly VanVianen, a registered nurse, were each found guilty of the misdemeanor charge on Tuesday in Scottsdale City Court. The state mandates that health care workers report such abuses immediately, then follow up with a written report within 48 hours.

A female heart patient had conveyed to her speech therapist on Dec. 12 that she had been sexually assaulted, but hospital staff did not inform police of the alleged incident until Jan. 14.

The State Board of Nursing could decide to impose a range of actions against Livengood and VanVianen during a November or January meeting, according to Joey Ridenour, spokeswoman for the state board.

Those actions include anything from a warning to suspension of nursing certification to revocation of a nursing license, Ridenour said.

Dr. Patricia Crellin, a consulting psychiatrist, was also found guilty of the same charge, but doesn't receive oversight by the state board.

Livengood and VanVianen each could face up to six months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Their sentencing hearing will be scheduled within 30 days.

All of the defendants in the case declined comment during and immediately after the trial.