The mother of a 15-year-old psychiatric patient filed a lawsuit against Renton, Wash.-based Providence Health and Services claiming the health system should have done more to prevent a nurse from engaging in a sexual relationship with her underage son, according to The Olympian.
Lawyers on behalf of the alleged victim's mother filed a civil suit Aug. 25. in ThurstonCounty Superior Court.
The document alleges Stefani Martin, RN, a nurse at Olympia, Wash.-based Providence St. Peter Hospital, was given unrestricted access to the teen's room on the adult medical floor and allegedly smuggled drugs to him during his stay. Ms. Martin also allegedly gave the teen her personal cell phone number following his discharge and the two engaged in a sexual relationship after his release.
The lawsuit claims the lack of professional oversight by Providence St. Peter Hospital staff allowed nurse Martin to continue her psychological pressure and grooming," according to the article.
The lawsuit also alleges the company was negligent in their hiring and screening practices and that other hospital employees should have reported the inappropriate relationship between Ms. Martin and the teen, according to the article.
Ms. Martin was charged with three counts of third-degree child rape, one count of third-degree child molestation and one count of furnishing alcohol to a minor. The case is scheduled to go to trial in October, according to the article.
The health system declined to comment on pending litigation.