On April 15, 2025, John Pica, a registered nurse in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, had his license to practice suspended by the Florida Department of Health. An Order of Emergency Suspension was issued after a complaint was filed against Pica of sexual assault on a patient while working at HCA Florida Woodmont Hospital, located on N. University Drive in Tamarac. Pica, age 63, has been a licensed registered nurse in Florida since 1996. The emergency order prohibits Pica from practicing as a registered nurse in Florida, pending the investigation.
According to media reports, on October 17, 2024, Pica was tasked with performing an EKG on a 56-year-old female patient in Woodmont’s outpatient surgical unit. The EKG required the woman to completely undress and change into a hospital gown. The Emergency Order states that Pica placed EKG electrodes on the patient’s chest, then allegedly lifted her hospital gown at least two times for no apparent medical reason and exposed her breasts. An anesthesiologist came into the room to prepare the woman for surgery, and after the anesthesiologist left, Pica allegedly squeezed the top of the patient’s right breast, the record states. Following the woman’s surgery, Pica assisted her in getting dressed and reportedly cupped or squeezed her breasts after helping her get a shirt on.
Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo stated in the Emergency Order that nurse John Vincent Pica “used the practice of nursing as cover to commit sexual misconduct on a patient” and conducted himself in a way that was “predatory in nature and demonstrates his blatant disregard for his patients’ well-being.” “Mr. Pica’s actions indicate that he lacks the good judgment and moral character necessary to be a registered nurse,” the document states.
Prior to the entry of the Emergency Order, HCA Florida Woodmont Hospital suspended Pica from all duties and restricted his access to the hospital premises.
Finding the right medical provider can be a challenging task. We seek out seasoned professionals who possess good bedside manners and empathy. When patients finally decide on one, they hope to feel better over time and not be violated by the very person with whom we place our trust. Healthcare providers hold a position of power in the physician-patient relationship. It is both unacceptable and unlawful for a healthcare professional to touch a patient in any sexual manner or practice any sexual misconduct while treating the patient.
Horowitz Law has filed numerous sexual misconduct claims against medical professionals on behalf of patients who were inappropriately touched in their care. Under no circumstances is a doctor or nurse permitted to have sexual contact with a patient. If you have been a victim of sexual assault or sexual battery at a medical office or facility, or if you know someone who has, please get in touch with our law firm at 888-283-9922 or send an e-mail to sexual abuse lawyer Adam Horowitz at adam@adamhorowitzlaw.com for a free consultation.