Phoenix Facility Where Incapacitated Woman Gave Birth Won't Close

PHOENIX, AZ — The Phoenix facility where an incapacitated woman became pregnant and gave birth after being sexually assaulted will not be closing after all, Hacienda Healthcare, the company that operates the facility, said in a statement.

Hacienda HealthCare’s board of directors voted to accept voluntary regulation by the Arizona Department of Health Services, subject to a final agreement.

“In light of the recent events, we have complied with directives from multiple state agencies and done everything in our power to ensure the safety and welfare of our patients,” the company said in a statement Friday. “Among the changes now in place as a result of the incident, we have installed dozens of cameras and monitors; enhanced security; hired off-duty police officers to provide facility security; and retrained every Hacienda staff member on Abuse and Neglect protocols using an AHCCCS-approved training module.”

In a statement on Saturday, Hacienda had said “it is simply not sustainable to continue to operate our Intermediate Care Facility for the Intellectually Disabled.”

The incapacitated woman gave birth on Dec. 29 and police started their investigation into the sexual assault on the same day when they responded to the facility to a call of a baby in distress.

In January, police announced the arrest of a male nurse who worked at the facility and who police said was responsible for providing care to the victim at the time of the sexual assault.

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Nathan Sutherland, 36, a licensed practical nurse, pleaded not guilty earlier this week to sexual assault and vulnerable adult abuse.

Photo by Matt York/Associated Press