Phoenix-based Hacienda HealthCare will close its 60-bed intermediate care facility where a patient in a vegetative state gave birth, according to Az Central.
Seven things to know:
1. A 29-year-old patient who had been in a vegetative state for 14 years gave birth to a healthy baby boy Dec. 29. Several reports claimed the patient had been raped several times.
2. The decision to close the unit came after the reports of sexual assault.
3. The board of directors "after a great deal of consideration, has come to understand that it is simply not sustainable to continue to operate the facility."
4. The board of directors voted on the closure Feb. 1.
5. Hacienda HealthCare has 37 patients at the facility and will transfer them to other sites.
6. Earlier this week, the former Hacienda HealthCare nurse accused of sexual assault in the case pleaded not guilty. The nurse, Nathan Sutherland, surrendered his state practical nurse license Jan. 24.
7. Hacienda HealthCare also operates a 74-bed skilled nursing facility for infants, teens and young adults. That facility is not affected.