By Chris Henry
February 9, 2010
Allegations that employees of Kitsap Health & Rehabilitation Center took cell phone pictures of nude residents have been forwarded to the Kitsap County Prosecutor’s Office for review.
Administrators at the nursing home reported the alleged abuse to the Bremerton Police Department on Jan. 27. The three employees named in the report have been fired. The state’s Department of Social and Health Services and Department of Health are conducting their own investigations.
Kitsap County Prosecutor Russ Hauge said his department is reviewing the evidence to determine if criminal charges will be filed.
“We don’t know if we can prove a law violation. If we can, we will,” Hauge said.
In addition to the criminal code, state laws protect “vulnerable adults” in residential care centers from abuse, including sexual exploitation, said Gayle Helseth-Kenison, Kitsap County Regional Long-term Care Ombudsman. In a case like this, she said, DSHS investigates the facility to make sure appropriate steps were taken to address and remedy the alleged abuse. The Department of Health, responsible for licensing all medical professionals, conducts a review of the individuals named and has the authority to revoke their licenses.
Abridged
SOURCE: KITSAP SUN
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