Key Takeaways
- Robert Bailey, a former social worker at TriStar Centennial Medical Center, has been indicted on one count of rape and one count of sexual battery following allegations involving two hospital patients.
- Investigators believe Bailey may have victimized additional women and are asking anyone with information about possible crimes involving him to come forward.
- Victims of sexual abuse in medical settings may have civil legal rights.
Robert Bailey, a former social worker at Centennial Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee, has been arrested on rape and sexual battery charges following allegations that he sexually assaulted two patients while working at the hospital.
Robert Bailey Accused of Sexually Assaulting Two Patients
The TBI began investigating allegations of sexual misconduct involving Bailey in June 2025.
According to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, “During the course of the investigation, agents gathered information indicating that between September 24th, 2024 and April 28th, 2025, Bailey sexually assaulted two patients while he was employed as a social worker for Centennial Medical Center.”
Bailey, 54, was arrested on September 1 at Jupiter Medical Center in Jupiter, Florida, where he was employed as a social worker. He is expected to be extradited to Tennessee and booked into the Davidson County Jail.
On August 6th, a Davidson County Grand Jury indicted Bailey on one count of sexual battery and one count of rape.
Investigators Believe There May Be Additional Victims of Robert Bailey
The TBI stated, “Investigators believe Bailey may have victimized additional women. They are asking anyone with information regarding possible crimes to come forward.”
Anyone with information about possible crimes involving Bailey can contact the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation at 1-800-TBI-FIND.
TriStar Centennial Medical Center’s Response
TriStar Centennial Medical Center provided a statement to WKRN, “‘Patient safety is our highest priority, and our thoughts are with the patients affected. When we became aware of these allegations in 2025, we reported the individual to the appropriate state authorities and the Tennessee Board of Social Workers and terminated his employment. We have fully cooperated with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation throughout its investigation of the individual and will continue to do so throughout the legal process.’”
Jupiter Medical Center’s Response
According to WBPF, “Jupiter Medical Center confirmed Bailey had been employed by the hospital but said the allegations do not involve care provided there. In a statement, the medical center said Bailey has been terminated and that it is cooperating with authorities…Centennial Medical Center and Jupiter Medical Center have both cooperated with investigators, according to authorities.”
Bailey’s move to Jupiter Medical Center also raises questions about how he was able to secure another hospital social work position shortly after Centennial says it terminated him and reported him to state authorities and the Tennessee Board of Social Workers. It is unclear what information, if any, Jupiter Medical Center knew about Bailey’s departure from Centennial or the allegations against him when he was hired.
Robert Bailey’s Employment Background
According to his LinkedIn profile, Bailey has worked in healthcare and social services for more than a decade.
His reported employment history includes:
- Jupiter Medical Center — Social Worker, beginning in July 2025
- TriStar Centennial Medical Center — Social Worker, March 2022–June 2025
- Buffalo Valley, Inc. — Case Manager, March 2020–February 2022
- Urban Ministries/Safe Place Family Transitional Center — Case Manager, November 2019–March 2021
- Safe Place Family Transitional Center — Intern, August 2019–December 2019
- Fort Campbell, Kentucky, a military base — Medical Assistant, April 2015–October 2019
- U.S. Army — Healthcare Specialist, July 2009–January 2015
On LinkedIn, Bailey describes himself as a social worker and veteran advocate who is “Passionate About Empowering Lives” and says he is known for his empathy.
As of the time of this writing, there are no known public allegations of sexual misconduct involving Bailey at the other healthcare or social service organizations where he worked. However, his employment history placed him in positions involving regular access to potentially vulnerable individuals over many years.
When allegations involve someone who has held positions of trust with repeated access to patients and other vulnerable individuals, questions may arise about whether more people were victimized in other settings. That concern is particularly relevant in Bailey’s case, as the TBI has already stated that investigators believe he may have victimized additional women.
Can TriStar Centennial Medical Center Be Held Legally Responsible?
Hospitals have a legal responsibility to take reasonable measures to protect patients from foreseeable harm, including sexual abuse by employees entrusted with their care.
A civil investigation can examine whether they fulfilled their legal responsibility.
In Bailey’s case, a civil investigation may examine whether a TriStar Centennial:
- Failed to conduct proper background checks;
- Failed to investigate prior complaints or reports of misconduct;
- Ignored warning signs that an employee posed a risk to patients; or
- Failed to implement reasonable safeguards designed to protect patients.
Whether TriStar Centennial could be held legally responsible would depend on the specific facts, including what the hospital knew or reasonably should have known and whether reasonable measures could have prevented the alleged abuse. The criminal allegations against Bailey do not, by themselves, establish civil liability against the hospital.
Civil litigation can provide survivors with an opportunity to seek accountability, answers, and financial compensation for the harms they suffered.
Contact Our Healthcare Sexual Abuse Attorneys
If you or someone you love was sexually assaulted by Robert Bailey at TriStar Centennial Medical Center or another facility where he worked, you may have a civil claim.
Andreozzi + Foote represents survivors of healthcare sexual abuse and investigates whether hospitals and other institutions failed to protect patients from abuse.
We recognize how difficult it can be to come forward, especially when the abuse involved someone who was supposed to provide care. Our trauma-informed attorneys are here to listen and guide you through your options with compassion and clarity.
You do not have to face this alone. Help is available, and justice is possible.
Contact us today.
Image sources: Robert Bailey, via TBINewsroom. TriStar Centennial Medical Center, via TriStar Health
