Inside the ‘systemic’ sexual abuse reporting failure at a Helena hospital – Montana Free Press

Report on Sexual Abuse Allegations and Systemic Failures at St. Peter’s Health, Helena

Introduction

In 2024, St. Peter’s Health in Helena, a nonprofit hospital serving approximately 100,000 residents, faced serious allegations of sexual abuse by staff members and systemic failures in handling such complaints. This report outlines the events, investigation findings, and subsequent actions, emphasizing the alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions).

Incident Reports and Initial Complaints

1. First Complaint (Spring 2024): A 51-year-old female cancer patient reported that a male nurse had inappropriately touched her breasts and requested not to be cared for by him.
2. Second Complaint (October 2024): Another patient accused the same male nurse of assault during her hospitalization in the intensive care unit a year earlier.

Systemic Failures in Reporting and Documentation

• Federal inspectors found that four staff members who were informed about the first complaint failed to document it in the hospital’s official system.
• Multiple staff members neglected to file required reports on sexual harassment and abuse allegations on more than a dozen occasions.
• These failures created an unsafe environment, risking patient safety and violating hospital protocols.

Federal Investigation and Immediate Jeopardy Status

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) conducted an unannounced inspection in 2025, prompted by an anonymous complaint. The investigation concluded:

• The hospital’s reporting failures were “systemic” and severe enough to warrant “immediate jeopardy” status.
• This status threatened the hospital’s ability to bill Medicaid and Medicare.
• St. Peter’s submitted a corrective plan which was accepted on January 28, 2025, leading to the lifting of the jeopardy status.

Details of Accused Staff Members

Male Nurse (“Staff Member A”)

• Identified as Aaron Gams, who pleaded not guilty to felony charges related to sexual assault.
• Accused of inappropriate touching and unauthorized access to approximately a dozen patient medical records.
• Hospital delayed administrative leave and documentation of complaints, with the first complaint reaching upper administration nine months later.
• Hospital cooperated with law enforcement and removed the nurse from patient care following reports.

Female Nurse (“Staff Member AAA”)

• Accused of sexually harassing and abusing a male patient in the Behavioral Health Unit in June 2024.
• Patient reported inappropriate touching, kissing, hugging, and attempts to initiate a relationship while he was not in the right mental state.
• At least five staff members were aware of the allegations but failed to document them officially.
• The nurse was a contracted employee and was immediately removed from patient care and reported to the nurse licensing board.

Hospital Response and Actions Taken

• St. Peter’s Health updated protocols to improve timely reporting and documentation of sexual abuse complaints.
• Implemented comprehensive training programs on abuse reporting and patient safety culture for all 1,800 employees.
• Launched educational content and in-person training facilitated by hospital leadership.
• Conducted internal audits to identify unauthorized access to patient records and took corrective measures.

Communication and Transparency

• The hospital declined detailed public comments but expressed commitment to patient care and community trust.
• Hospital spokesperson acknowledged the need for improved documentation and timely reporting as required by CMS.
• No information was provided regarding notification of patients affected by unauthorized record access.

Implications for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

• Ensuring patient safety and quality healthcare is fundamental to SDG 3.
• Failures in reporting sexual abuse compromised the health and well-being of vulnerable patients.
• Corrective actions and training aim to restore safe healthcare environments.

SDG 5: Gender Equality

• Addressing sexual harassment and abuse in healthcare settings promotes gender equality and protects women and men from violence.
• Hospital’s response to sexual abuse allegations reflects efforts to uphold dignity and rights of all patients.

SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

• Transparent reporting and accountability mechanisms are essential for strong institutions.
• CMS intervention and hospital reforms demonstrate the importance of justice and institutional integrity in healthcare.
• Ongoing cooperation with law enforcement supports rule of law and protection of patient rights.

Conclusion and Future Outlook

• St. Peter’s Health has made significant improvements in reporting and documentation protocols following federal scrutiny.
• The hospital remains committed to rebuilding community trust and ensuring safe, compassionate care.
• Continued adherence to SDGs, especially in health, gender equality, and institutional accountability, is critical for sustainable healthcare delivery.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • The article discusses patient safety, sexual abuse, and harassment within a healthcare setting, directly relating to ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all ages.
2. SDG 5: Gender Equality
   • Issues of sexual assault and harassment, particularly against female patients, highlight the need to eliminate violence against women and girls.
3. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • The article addresses systemic failures in reporting and investigating abuse, emphasizing the importance of accountable and transparent institutions to protect individuals from violence and abuse.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage, including access to quality essential health-care services and safe, effective, quality, and affordable essential medicines and vaccines.
   • Target 3.d: Strengthen the capacity of all countries for early warning, risk reduction, and management of health risks, including patient safety protocols.
2. SDG 5: Gender Equality
   • Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in public and private spheres, including sexual abuse and harassment.
3. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable, and transparent institutions at all levels.
   • Target 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory, and representative decision-making at all levels.
   • Target 16.10: Ensure public access to information and protect fundamental freedoms, including reporting mechanisms for abuse.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Under SDG 3
   • Indicator 3.8.1: Coverage of essential health services, implied by the hospital’s commitment to improving patient safety and care quality.
   • Indicator related to patient safety incidents and reporting rates, implied by the documentation and investigation of abuse cases.
2. Under SDG 5
   • Indicator 5.2.1: Proportion of women and girls subjected to sexual violence by a person other than an intimate partner, implied through the reported sexual abuse cases.
   • Indicator 5.2.2: Proportion of women and girls subjected to sexual harassment, reflected in the harassment allegations.
3. Under SDG 16
   • Indicator 16.6.2: Proportion of the population satisfied with their last experience of public services, implied by the hospital’s efforts to rebuild trust and improve reporting protocols.
   • Indicator 16.10.1: Number of verified cases of violence against individuals that are reported and investigated, as shown by the hospital’s documentation and investigation processes.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: montanafreepress.org