State disciplines health care providers

For immediate release: December 16, 2016  (16-145)
Contact:  Sharon Moysiuk, Strategic Communications Office   360-549-6471
               Public inquiries: Health Systems Customer Service  360-236-4700

State disciplines health care providers

OLYMPIA -- The Washington State Department of Health has taken disciplinary actions or withdrawn charges against health care providers in our state.

The department’s Health Systems Quality Assurance Division works with boards, commissions, and advisory committees to set licensing standards for more than 80 health care professions (e.g., medical doctors, nurses, counselors).

Information about health care providers is on the agency website. Click on “Look up a health care provider license” in the “How Do I?” section of the Department of Health website (doh.wa.gov). The site includes information about a health care provider’s license status, the expiration and renewal date of their credential, disciplinary actions and copies of legal documents issued after July 1998. This information is also available by calling 360-236-4700. Consumers who think a health care provider acted unprofessionally are encouraged to call and report their complaint.

Clark County

In November 2015 the secretary of health ended conditions on the credential of agency-affiliated counselor Thomas Harry Eaton (CG60253733).

In November 2015 the Nursing Commission entered an agreement with licensed practical nurse Audrey Quinn Adames (LP60218522) that lifts her suspension and requires her to continue participating in a substance abuse monitoring program. Her license was suspended in October 2015 after her Oregon nursing license was revoked in connection with drug diversion.

In November 2015 the secretary of health ended probation for chemical dependency professional trainee Kimberlee Kae Tuttle (CO60282196).

Cowlitz County

In November 2015 the Nursing Assistant Program charged registered nursing assistant Amber Caye Schaecher (NA60407392) with unprofessional conduct. Schaecher allegedly used a credit card to pay for her license renewal, but then canceled the credit card payment.

Grays Harbor County

In November 2015 the Nursing Commission reinstated the licensed practical nurse credential of Claudia B. Robinson Kolano (LP00046704). Kolano’s license was suspended in 2013 in connection with inadequate patient care and inaccurate documentation.

King County

In November 2015 the Pharmacy Commission ended probation for pharmacist Ponciano F. Bautista (PH00017744).

In September 2015 the Pharmacy Commission denied a pharmacy assistant credential to Benjamin B. Stewart (VB60518769). Between 2006 and 2008, Stewart was convicted of six gross misdemeanors and two misdemeanors.

In November 2015 the Nursing Commission ended probation for registered nurse William Michael Brothers (RN00106317).

In November 2015 the secretary of health ended probation for chemical dependency professional trainee Joshua Lee Palmer (CO60153206).

In November 2015 the Massage Program charged massage practitioner Chaz L. Hipple (MA60430608) with unprofessional conduct. Hipple was charged with indecent liberties in connection with his treatment of a client.

Kitsap County

In November 2015 the secretary of health reinstated the chemical dependency professional credential of Paul David Brown (CP00002574). Brown’s license was suspended in 2014 after he provided domestic violence counseling without an appropriate license.

Pierce County

In October 2015 the secretary of health denied a home care aide credential to Abbe Elizabeth Brekke (HM60569607), whose surgical technologist and certified medical assistant phlebotomist credentials were suspended in July 2015.

Skagit County

In November 2015 the Nursing Commission ended probation for registered nurse and advanced registered nurse practitioner Bridgett Bell Kraft (RN00067557, AP30005000).

Snohomish County

In November 2015 the secretary of health ended conditions on the credential of certified nursing assistant Amanda Rose Stephens, also known as Amanda Rose Kullman (NC60360137).

In November 2015 the secretary of health conditionally granted a chemical dependency professional trainee credential to Ryan Richard Orrison (CO60599054) and ordered him to undergo an evaluation for a substance abuse monitoring program. Between 2002 and 2013, Orrison was convicted of four felonies and two gross misdemeanors.

Spokane County

In November 2015 the Nursing Commission ended probation for registered nurse Jeannine Alyse Sauer (RN00173631).

In November 2015 the secretary of health conditionally granted a chemical dependency professional trainee credential to Lonnie Vincent Fontaine (CO60607259) and ordered him to undergo an evaluation for a substance abuse monitoring program. Between 2005 and 2013, Fontaine was convicted of seven felonies and two gross misdemeanors.

Walla Walla County

In October 2015 the secretary of health denied a home care aide credential to Sarah Colleen Burnett, also known as Sarah C. Tomlinson (HM60542780). On her application, Burnett said she’d never had a health care credential suspended. Her emergency medical technician credential was suspended in 2010.

Yakima County

In November 2015 the secretary of health reinstated the chemical dependency counselor credential of Karen L. Skager (CP00004937). Skager’s license was suspended in 2008 after she had a romantic and sexual relationship with a former client.

Out of State

Alaska: In November 2015 the secretary of health ended probation for chemical dependency professional trainee Bernita Marie Gillette (CO60283742).

California: In November 2015 the Massage Program entered an agreement with massage practitioner Zhengang Qi (MA60225808) that places him on probation for at least one year and fines him $1,000. Qi owns a massage business where he said an unlicensed person could provide a massage.

Note to Editors: Health care providers charged with unprofessional conduct have 20 days to respond to the Department of Health in writing. The case then enters the settlement process. If no disciplinary agreement can be reached, the case will go to a hearing.