CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — In the wake of a growing scandal surrounding allegations of sexual misconduct against local Nurse Practitioner Kelly Hill, Adena Health System has found itself entangled in legal proceedings as state investigators from the Ohio Nursing Board launch a comprehensive probe into the accusations. Administrators within the sprawling health system have confirmed that Adena has been served with multiple subpoenas as part of an ongoing investigation.
The subpoenas, issued by state investigators with the Ohio Nursing Board, demand a range of documents from the health system, primarily focusing on Kelly Hill’s employment history and the internal handling of complaints and investigations related to his alleged sexual misconduct against young male patients. Additionally, the subpoenas are seeking records of Hill’s previous employments with other health organizations and contractors, including the Unioto School District.
However, Adena has chosen a defensive legal stance to defy the legal documents, opting to “lawyer up” in response to the subpoenas, rather than complying with the investigative demands. While the Ohio Nursing Board refrained from commenting on the existence of an investigation, sources with direct knowledge of the matter revealed that a request for a search warrant submitted through the Ohio Attorney General’s office is the next step if the hospital continues to defy the subpoenas. As a result, a potential raid on the Adena Regional Medical Center could be expected in the near future. While the investigation into these accusations remains ongoing — and the nursing board not commenting publicly — Lieutenant Angela Hollis with the Ross County Sheriff’s office confirmed that the State Nursing Board has has taken over the police reports into the allegations.
The backdrop for this recent development is the mounting series of accusations against Hill. Following a wave of allegations, Hill has been thrust into the spotlight. Just days ago, authorities responded to reports of another alleged sexual assault involving Hill, who was accused of inappropriately touching a patient during a medical appointment at the Adena’s Western Avenue campus earlier this year.
The complainant, whose identity remains confidential, said that Hill’s inappropriate actions occurred during a medical examination, which was not an isolated incident. The alleged victim further disclosed that Hill had repeated this misconduct during a subsequent appointment in April. A disconcerting comment reportedly made by Hill during the examination, “Make sure you don’t go to prison,” added to the gravity of the allegations.
The recent accusations are part of an escalating series of claims against Hill, encompassing both adult patients and minors. A local elected official had previously made similar allegations, asserting that Hill had exploited the nurse practitioner’s medical role for sexual misconduct. Young male patients have also stepped forward, sharing accounts of inappropriate behavior by Hill, who once worked at Unioto as a sports medical examiner for students.
Amidst the turmoil, Adena Regional Medical Center has yet to issue a statement addressing the allegations or the subpoenas. As the legal battle unfolds and the investigation continues, the hospital’s response and the outcome of potential raids will be closely monitored, shedding light on the extent of accountability and transparency within the health system.
If you have information about inappropriate conduct with Hill call the Nursing Board hotline at (614) 466-9560.