Nursing Assistant Who Used Patient’s Credit Card “Engaged in Unprofessional Conduct,” Says RIDOH

Nursing Assistant Who Used Patient’s Credit Card “Engaged in Unprofessional Conduct,” Says RIDOH

The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) ruled that a now-former nursing assistant engaged in unprofessional conduct in violation of state law by using a patient’s credit card for personal purchases. 

According to RIDOH, a hearing had been scheduled for defendant Fanny Maria Valdez Urena for January 20, 2023, which RIDOH said it sent notice to Urena by first class mail — but she neither responded nor appeared at the hearing. 

Urena had a temporary nursing assistant registration that expired on November 9, 2021. 

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“The respondent was employed by a rehabilitation center in the latter half of 2021 and accessed a patient’s credit card on more than one occasion to make personal purchases for herself online. She admitted this to the rehabilitation center’s management and then reimbursed the party for the money she had spent,” said RIDOH, attaching exhibits in which the defendant admitted to the actions. 

“As the Respondent’s registration has expired, there is no registration to either revoke or suspend. However, the Department sought a finding of unprofessional conduct by the Respondent for her use of the patient’s credit card," said RIDOH. 

“Based on the foregoing, the Respondent engaged in unprofessional conduct in violation of Rhode Island General Laws,” determined RIDOH.