State health officials have immediately suspended a King County nursing assistant after he was criminally charged with rape.

Charges state Samuel K. Njuguna (NAC.NC.60440728) was charged in King County Superior Court with second-degree rape. Njuguna allegedly had sex with a mentally disabled resident under his care.

Njuguna cannot practice in Washington until the charges are resolved. He has 20 days to respond to the charges and ask for a hearing.

Legal documents in this case are available online by clicking the link to “Provider Credential Search” on the agency home page, or by calling 360-236-4700. The number can also be used to file a complaint against health care providers in Washington.

The Department of Health protects and promotes public health, safety, and welfare in Washington by regulating the competency and quality of health care providers. The agency establishes, monitors, and enforces qualifications for licensing, consistent standards of practice, continuing competency mechanisms, and discipline. Rules, policies, and procedures promote the delivery of quality health care to people in Washington.