The Latest: Phoenix care facility says it’s making changes

PHOENIX (AP) — The Latest on a Phoenix care facility where an incapacitated woman was raped and gave birth (all times local):

1:30 p.m.

The board of directors of a Phoenix long-term care facility where a nurse is accused of raping an incapacitated woman who later gave birth says it’s taken aggressive measures to improve patient care and safety.

Hacienda HealthCare’s board released a statement Friday in response to Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey tweeting that state agencies are looking into removing board members.

The board says it has followed a state request to have an outside team manage the facility and that they should be in place by next week.

Ducey’s outrage came a day after The Arizona Republic reported that Hacienda’s former CEO had a history of facing sexual misconduct allegations from employees.

The CEO was disciplined but ultimately allowed to keep his job. He resigned Jan. 7 after reports surfaced that a 29-year-old patient gave birth last month.

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12 p.m.

Arizona’s governor is looking into whether the state can remove the board of directors of a long-term care facility where a nurse is accused of raping an incapacitated woman who later gave birth.

In a flurry of tweets Friday, Gov. Doug Ducey called for Hacienda HealthCare’s board to be fired.

His tweets come a day after The Arizona Republic reported that Hacienda’s former CEO had a history of facing sexual misconduct allegations from employees.

CEO Bill Timmons was disciplined but ultimately allowed to keep his job. Simmons resigned Jan. 7 after reports surfaced that a 29-year-old patient gave birth last month.

Police arrested 36-year-old Nathan Sutherland on Wednesday. An online database shows Sutherland has since voluntarily surrendered his nursing license.

Hacienda officials didn’t immediately return a request for comment.

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