Facility Where Incapacitated Native Woman Was Raped to Remain Open

Published February 8, 2019

PHOENIX — The Hacienda HealthCare facility where 29-year-old incapacitated American Indian woman was raped and then gave birth to a baby boy in late December will remain open.

This follows an announcement on Thursday that stated the long-term care facility will close because the Hacienda HealthCare board of directors had reaced a decision to close down.

However, the state of Arizona, which has a contract with Hacienda HealthCare did not want the facility to close down because of the difficulty in finding other facilities for the current long-term patients.

In a statement released by Melissa Blasius-Nuanez with the Arizona Department of Health Services, ADHS will immediately start working with Hacienda to implement the agreement, which will require Hacienda to:

• Contract with a third-party health care consultant to evaluate operational practices and oversee facility operations until DHS determines the facility is in compliance.

• Hire an on-site evaluator for Hacienda’s ICF-ID and Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) to ensure necessary changes are implemented, and to monitor accountability to ensure health and safety

• Find an independent review team to assess the level of acuity and care required for the resident

• Develop a long-term plan and timeline for the facility and its operations, within 90 days.

Nathan Sutherland

On January 23, 2019, Phoenix Police said Nathan Sutherland, a 36-year-old licensed practical nurse, was taken in custody on Tuesday, January 22, after gaining a probable cause order. Sutherland, who has been employed at the facility since 2011 had responisibilty to provide care for the 29-year-old woman, who is a tribal citizen of the San Carlos Apache Tribe.

Sutherland’s DNA got a match with the DNA of the baby boy.

Sutherland has pleasded not guilty.