NEWARK – A Registered Professional Nurse in Monmouth County has voluntarily surrendered his license, to be deemed a temporary suspension, following his arrest on charges of endangering the welfare of a child by distributing and possessing or viewing an item depicting the sexual exploitation or abuse of a child, Attorney General Christopher S. Porrino and the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs have announced.
Richard Matthew Baine was arrested and charged on March 20, 2017, in Eatontown. Baine signed an Interim Consent Order on April 7, 2017, surrendering his license to the Board of Nursing. The suspension is considered temporary pending conclusion of the criminal matter. After the conclusion, the Board may take additional action.
“The exploitation of children, such as that alleged here, is one of the most serious crimes that can be committed. When a nurse is facing these types of charges, the action taken by the Board is not only appropriate, but necessary,” Attorney General Porrino said. “We must protect the public from those who refuse to live up to the moral standards demanded as a condition of their licensure.”
“When alerted to these charges, the Board moved quickly to secure the surrender of this nurse’s license,” said Steve Lee, Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs. “It is important to maintain the integrity of the nursing profession, particularly in light of such serious charges. Public safety and confidence depend on it.”
The allegations, if proven, would be considered an offense involving “moral turpitude” and would be indicative of a lack of good moral character, a foundation for licensure under state statute. The offenses, if proven, would provide the basis for further disciplinary action.
According to the Interim Consent Order, Baine has indicated that he is not currently employed as a nurse.
Under the Interim Consent Order, Baine must physically surrender his license to the Board. He cannot present himself as a nurse or practice nursing in New Jersey pending further review. The surrender of his license is not considered an admission of liability. The Board reserves the right to impose further discipline, limitations and restrictions if Baine seeks the reinstatement of his license.
The Board of Nursing is charged with regulating nursing in the State of New Jersey and making sure those who practice nursing are qualified and competent to do so.