The State Board of Nursing has temporarily suspended the certifications of two certified homemaker-home health aides charged with committing crimes against their patients.
Robin L. Frye, of Newark, is charged with sexual assault by force or coercion and related offenses for allegedly engaging in sexual contact with an elderly female patient who resided at the nursing facility where he worked.
Dionne Eke, of Lawrence Township, is charged with theft by unlawful taking for allegedly stealing $32,000 from a patient’s checking and credit card accounts.
Both Frye and Eke have voluntarily surrendered their certifications to be deemed interim suspensions pending the disposition of their criminal cases and further order by the Board.
Certified Homemaker-Home Health Aides (“CHHAs”) are employees of healthcare service firms that work under the direction of registered professional nurses to perform tasks for elderly, disabled, or sick patients. CHHAs help patients dress, take a bath, and use the toilet or bedpan. They may also prepare patient meals, do light laundering, tidy the patient's room, run errands and assist with exercise regimens.
Frye, arrested by Eatontown police in May, is also charged with aggravated criminal sexual conduct, and criminal attempt. Eke was arrested in October for allegedly making several unauthorized charges on a patient’s credit/debit cards as well as using a blank check belonging to the patient and writing an unauthorized amount or money titled “Loan” that she did not pay back to the patient.
Patients who believe that they have been treated by a licensed health care professional in an inappropriate manner can file an online complaint with the State Division of Consumer Affairs by visiting its website or by calling 1-800-242-5846 (toll free within New Jersey) or 973-504- 6200.