Key Takeaways
- Joseph Ratcliff, formerly a nurse, faces felony charges for the alleged rape of a dementia patient in Ohio.
- The Kentucky Board of Nursing temporarily suspended Ratcliff’s license due to safety concerns following his arrest.
- Ratcliff was employed through DaVita Kidney Care, which has not publicly commented on his employment status since the incident.
- Survivors of abuse in medical settings may have civil legal options.
Joseph Ratcliff, a 63-year-old registered nurse licensed in Kentucky for nearly three decades, is facing a sexual assault case in Hamilton County, Ohio. The charges stem from allegations that he sexually assaulted a hospitalized dementia patient.
Following his arrest, the Kentucky Board of Nursing issued an immediate temporary suspension of his nursing license, citing safety concerns.
Criminal Charges Filed Against Ratcliff
Ratcliff, of Butler, Kentucky, is facing serious felony charges of on one count of rape and one count of gross sexual imposition.
He has pleaded not guilty and is currently being held at the Hamilton County Justice Center.
Records indicate that following his February 6, 2026 court appearance, Ratcliff was ordered to undergo a medical examination for venereal diseases as part of the proceedings.
Allegations Involving a Vulnerable Hospital Patient
According to court records, the alleged assault occurred on January 23, 2026, after the victim had undergone a procedure at the Christ Hospital on Auburn Avenue in Cincinnati.
The victim has dementia and thus, her “ability to resist or consent is impaired,” according to the criminal complaint.
“According to the Hamilton County Prosecutor’s Office, Ratcliff had no reason to be in her room.” (The Enquirer).
Records from the Kentucky Board of Nursing add additional context about how the alleged conduct was discovered. According to the Board, “The incident was initially witnessed by the CNA who was monitoring the remote ICU cameras, and then by the remote ICU RN, and the remote ICU Nursing Manager.”
A spokesperson for The Christ Hospital said that hospital staff alerted law enforcement and thanked team members for their quick response.
Ratcliff was arrested the same day.
Ratcliff’s Employment
Ratcliff was assigned to Christ Hospital as a hemodialysis nurse. He was employed through the company DaVita Kidney Care, a national provider of dialysis services.
DaVita has not publicly commented on Ratcliff’s specific employment status. In a statement to the media, the company spokesperson said, “‘The safety and dignity of our patients is our highest priority. While we cannot discuss individual personnel matters, we took immediate action as soon as we became aware of this situation.’”
Kentucky Board of Nursing Issues Suspension
On February 4, 2026, the Kentucky Board of Nursing issued an immediate temporary suspension of Ratcliff’s nursing license, determining that his continued practice of nursing “would pose an immediate danger to the public health, safety, or welfare.”
In its findings, the Board concluded there was reasonable cause to believe Ratcliff “was unable to practice nursing with reasonable skill and safety,” citing the alleged sexual assault of a patient while acting in a nursing role.
The suspension prohibits Ratcliff from practicing as a registered nurse or advanced practice registered nurse anywhere in the Commonwealth of Kentucky while the matter proceeds. As a result, the suspension also effectively prevents him from accepting most clinical nursing assignments through third-party staffing agencies during this period.
Abuse in Medical Settings & Institutional Responsibility
Criminal proceedings are designed to pursue justice for individual wrongdoing, but they do not always examine whether broader institutional failures, such as gaps in supervision, may have created conditions which enabled abuse.
Public reporting indicates that Ratcliff was providing care through a healthcare company rather than as a direct hospital employee. When hospitals rely on contract or third-party medical professionals, important questions may arise regarding vetting procedures, monitoring practices, supervision, and the safeguards in place to protect vulnerable patients.
In cases involving abuse by medical professionals, civil investigations may examine whether healthcare companies, hospitals, or other involved parties failed to protect patients, allowed conditions that enabled abuse, overlooked warning signs, or did not adequately supervise staff or enforce safety policies.
For survivors, civil action can provide an important path toward uncovering the truth, pursuing justice, and holding all responsible parties accountable.
Support and Legal Options for Survivors
If you or someone you love was harmed by Joseph Ratcliff or by another medical professional, you are not alone. Survivors of sexual abuse in health care settings may be able to pursue a civil case against the responsible parties.
Our firm represents survivors of institutional sexual abuse in Ohio and nationwide. We have extensive experience with cases involving medical professionals and healthcare institutions.
Andreozzi and Foote are trauma-informed, survivor-centered, and committed to helping individuals understand their rights and choose the path that feels the most empowering to them.
Your voice deserves to be heard, and our attorneys are ready to listen.
All consultations are free and completely confidential.
Contact us today.
Image sources: Joseph David Ratcliff, courtesy of the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office. The Christ Hospital, © Google, via Google Maps.
