OLYMPIA -- The Washington State Department of Health has immediately suspended the license of Bert Wait of Vancouver, Clark County, to practice as a licensed practical nurse (LP). This action, called a summary suspension, means Wait cannot currently practice or be employed as a nurse in Washington. In June, the Clark County prosecutor charged Wait with second-degree rape.

According to the statement of charges, Wait had sex with a vulnerable female resident with diminished mental ability at Rose Vista Nursing Home on Dec. 24, . The administrator immediately suspended Wait and contacted police. DNA testing later identified Wait. Vancouver Police arrested Wait and charged him with rape on June 15, ; he was released on bail on June 17, , with restrictions on his nursing practice.

After being notified of the criminal charges, the Department of Health found the working restrictions provided by the court were inadequate to protect the public and took action to suspend Wait’s license. Wait must respond to Department of Health charges by Nov. 12, , to request a prompt hearing to challenge the immediate license suspension.

The Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission regulates the competency and quality of professional healthcare providers in Washington state. The commission establishes, monitors, and enforces qualifications for licensing, consistent standards of practice, continuing competency mechanisms and discipline. Rules, policies and procedures developed by the commission promote the delivery of quality health care to state residents.

Source: Washington State Department of Health