PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND — The Rhode Island Department of Health has issued disciplinary sanctions against four licensed nursing assistants following investigations into incidents of unprofessional conduct at multiple facilities across the state, according to state regulatory documents.
State health officials investigated complaints involving nursing assistants Morena Mayorga, Sarah King, Odithe Rudio, and Sharease Smith, resulting in three reprimands and one probation order issued over the past month, as reported by GoLocalProv.
The violations ranged from physical contact with a patient to medication administration errors and improper care techniques. According to RIDOH, each case constituted unprofessional conduct under Rhode Island General Laws governing healthcare professionals.
Details of the Violations
Morena Mayorga received a reprimand after an October 1, 2025 incident while working at an assisted living facility. State health officials determined that Mayorga made physical contact with a resident by striking them, according to the regulatory documents. Court records do not indicate any criminal charges were filed in connection with the incident, as reported by GoLocalProv.
Sarah King was reprimanded for an incident that occurred on January 26, 2025, while employed as a nursing assistant. According to RIDOH, King communicated with a patient in a disrespectful manner during her duties at a healthcare facility.
Odithe Rudio, working as a medication aide at an assisted living facility, received a reprimand following an October 10, 2025 incident. State investigators found that Rudio incorrectly identified a resident before administering medication, resulting in a medication error, according to health department documents.
The most severe sanction was issued to Sharease Smith, who was placed on active probation. Smith was employed by a staffing agency and assigned to provide care at a nursing facility when the incident occurred on July 27, 2025.
According to RIDOH's findings, Smith was observed using improper feeding techniques while assisting a patient with meals. Investigators documented that Smith would feed the patient with a spoon, then turn away to continue conversations on her personal cell phone. State officials noted that Smith ignored the patient when they began coughing after being fed, according to the consent order.
Probation Requirements and Oversight
Smith's probation order, issued on February 27, 2026, includes specific compliance requirements. She must provide copies of the consent order to all hospitals and nursing facilities where she works as a nursing assistant, according to RIDOH documents.
Additionally, Smith is required to submit job performance progress report forms provided by the health department. After completing one year of probation, she may apply to have her license status changed to active, according to the terms of the disciplinary action.
Federal regulations require nursing assistants to complete state-approved training programs and maintain competency in providing basic patient care. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services mandates that long-term care facilities must ensure nursing assistants demonstrate appropriate skills in areas including feeding, medication administration, and respectful communication with residents.
Rhode Island law authorizes the Department of Health to investigate complaints against licensed nursing assistants and take disciplinary action when unprofessional conduct is substantiated. Sanctions can range from reprimands to license suspension or revocation, depending on the severity of the violation.
All three nursing assistants who received reprimands signed the disciplinary documents in addition to RIDOH officials, indicating acknowledgment of the violations, as reported by GoLocalProv.
Regulatory Context
State licensing boards play a critical role in protecting nursing home residents by holding healthcare workers accountable for their conduct. Unprofessional behavior, medication errors, and patient safety violations can result in state disciplinary action separate from any criminal proceedings or facility-level employment decisions.
The incidents highlight ongoing challenges in maintaining care quality across Rhode Island's long-term care system. Proper feeding techniques, medication administration protocols, and respectful patient interaction represent fundamental competencies for nursing assistants working in residential care settings.
State health departments are required to maintain public records of disciplinary actions against licensed healthcare professionals, providing transparency for facilities, patients, and families researching care providers.
Resources for Families
Families with concerns about care quality at Rhode Island nursing homes can contact the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman program. The ombudsman provides free, confidential advocacy for residents of nursing homes and assisted living facilities.
The National Long-Term Care Ombudsman Resource Center can be reached at 1-800-677-1116, or visit ltcombudsman.org for additional resources.
Rhode Island residents can also file complaints directly with the Rhode Island Department of Health regarding concerns about licensed healthcare professionals or facility care standards. The department investigates allegations of unprofessional conduct and takes appropriate disciplinary action when violations are substantiated.
Families should review facility inspection reports and staff credentials when selecting long-term care options. Medicare's Nursing Home Compare website provides inspection histories, staffing levels, and quality ratings for certified nursing homes nationwide.
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