A nurse in Atlantic County undergoes temporary license suspension while county investigators look into allegations of sadistic acts against a 10-year-old autistic boy to force his obedience.

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Naomi Derrick, an inpatient staffer of AtlantiCare Regional Health Care's City Campus, was ordered to surrender her wall and wallet licenses to the Board of Nursing's attorney, according to the office of acting New Jersey Attorney General Christopher S. Porrino.

The complaint alleges gross negligence, professional misconduct, and incompetence regarding the boy's treatment. She is barred from access to patients while the probe continues.

Investigators said that the incidents, either in range of a video camera in the boy's room or witnessed by another hospital worker, are believed to have taken place May 15 of this year.

Derrick allegedly wielded the syringe menacingly, threatening to use "the needle" unless the youngster behaved, and jabbing his upper arm, thigh, kneecaps, foot and hand during her 7 AM-to-7 PM shift.

State authorities also accuse Derrick of stepping on the boy's bare foot with her shoe, inducing falls by shoving a chair he used for support, and bending his little finger back until hearing a crack.

Patients who suspect abuse or inappropriate treatment by licensed health care professionals can access the New Jersey Division of Community Affairs online complaint form or call 1-800-242-5846 or 973-504-6200.

Charges are accusations. Defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

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