For immediate release: October 28, 2019 (19-121)
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OLYMPIA -- The Washington State Department of Health has taken disciplinary actions or withdrawn charges against health care providers in our state.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., dentists, nurses, counselors). Information about disciplinary action taken against medical doctors and physician assistants can be found on the Washington Medical Commission (WMC) website. Questions about WMC disciplinary actions can be sent to media@wmc.wa.gov.
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.
Benton County
In October 2019 the secretary of health ended conditions on the ambulatory surgical facility credential of Northwest Ambulatory Physicians PLLC (FS60109656).
In October 2019 the secretary of health conditionally granted a substance use disorder professional trainee credential to Terry Kay Miller (CO60934850) and placed her on probation for two years. Between 2008 and 2016, Miller was convicted of four felonies and two gross misdemeanors.
Clark County
In October 2019 the Nursing Commission charged registered nurse Charles Michael Herndon (RN00114581) with unprofessional conduct. Herndon allegedly didn’t comply with a requirement to enter a substance abuse monitoring program.
King County
In September 2019 the Physical Therapy Board ended probation for physical therapist Maren Kay Paulsen, also known as Maren Kay Kludt (PT60483343).
In October 2019 the Pharmacy Commission entered an agreement with pharmacist Conor Kenneth Sheehy (PH60560656) that requires him to comply with a substance abuse monitoring program. Other pharmacy employees reported that Sheehy may have been under the influence while working.
In October 2019 the Chiropractic Commission charged chiropractor Niels Jonathan Pedersen (CH60602274) with unprofessional conduct. Pedersen allegedly published misleading advertising suggesting reversal and cures for type II diabetes and hypothyroidism. He allegedly used testimonials that didn’t meet guidelines under state rules. Pedersen and a patient allegedly agreed to a type II diabetes treatment plan that included only supplement recommendations and no chiropractic manipulative treatment.
Lewis County
In October 2019 the secretary of health ended conditions on the home care aide credential of Brittany Ann Marrs (HM60739556).
Pacific County
In September 2019 the Nursing Commission agreed to modify a reinstatement order for registered nurse Robin Noelle Johnson (RN60290593), whose license was reinstated in 2016 following a 2015 suspension in connection with patient care. The modification amends conditions on Johnson’s practice.
Pierce County
In September 2019 the secretary of health conditionally granted a substance use disorder professional trainee credential to Renee Michelle Cline (CO60971093) and placed her on probation for 24 months. Between 2010 and 2012, Cline was convicted of six felonies and two gross misdemeanors.
In October 2019 the secretary of health conditionally granted a recreational therapist credential to Agustin Diaz Salgado (RE60958230) and ordered him to participate in a substance abuse monitoring program. In 2013 and again in 2017 Diaz Salgado was convicted of driving under the influence.
Snohomish County
In October 2019 the Nursing Assistant Program entered an agreement with certified nursing assistant Julia Davis Keels (NC60451367) that lifts the suspension of her credential. Keels must pay a $250 fine. She must complete continuing education in patient rights and dignity, caring for the elderly, and law and ethics. Her license was suspended in 2019 in connection with neglecting a vulnerable adult.
In October 2019 the Nursing Home Administrators Board withdrew a statement of charges against nursing home administrator Teresa L. Myers (NH00002341).
Spokane County
In October 2019 the secretary of health withdrew a statement of charges against home care aide and registered nursing assistant Latonna Sue Lund (HM60323047, NA60493352).
In October 2019 the Dental Commission charged dentist James Gerard Hood (DE00005437) with being unable to practice with reasonable skill and safety. The charge stems from the results of an examination.
In October 2019 the secretary of health conditionally granted a substance use disorder professional trainee credential to Jeremy Damon Oberender (CO60932728), and ordered him to obtain or continue counseling and/or therapy. On his application, Oberender attested that he is under the care of a mental health professional.
Thurston County
In October 2019 the Unlicensed Practice Program notified Karie Marie King of its intent to issue a cease-and-desist order. King allegedly doesn’t have an active registered nurse, licensed practical nurse, nursing assistant, or home care aide license, but admitted that at an assisted living facility she gave patients medications including narcotics, took patients’ vital signs, documented patients’ conditions, and noted physician orders in patient charts.
Out of State
Oregon: In October 2019 the Nursing Commission conditionally granted a licensed practical nurse credential to Laura Jean Smythe (LP60833417) and ordered her to undergo an evaluation for a substance abuse monitoring program. In 2019 Smythe’s Oregon nurse license was suspended for 30 days, after which she was placed on probation, in connection with improperly disposing of controlled substances, and falsifying medication administration records.
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.
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