For immediate release: November 2, 2016 (16-126)
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OLYMPIA -- The Washington State Department of Health has taken disciplinary actions or withdrawn charges against health care providers in our state.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.
Chelan County
In September 2016 the Nursing Commission charged registered nurse Carol Denise Whaley (RN00117199) with unprofessional conduct. Whaley allegedly didn’t comply with a substance abuse monitoring contract.
Clallam County
In August 2016 the secretary of health conditionally granted a chemical dependency professional trainee credential to Susan Margaret Tomlinson (CO60322672), directed her to complete continuing education in professional law and ethics, and ordered her to undergo evaluation for a substance abuse monitoring program. In 2008 Tomlinson was convicted in Nevada of driving while intoxicated and in 2009 she was convicted of reckless driving in that same state.
Clark County
In August 2016 the Dental Commission withdrew a statement of charges against dentist and moderate sedation with parenteral agents permit holder Sanjeev Sharma (DE00008301, CS10000466).
In August 2016 the Medical Commission lifted its order summarily restricting physician Bruce J. Andison (MD00020934) from prescribing to immediate family members. The commission entered a stipulated agreement whereby Andison agreed not to treat family members except in emergencies, and further agreed to intensive coursework, personally appear before the commission, two years of monitoring, and other sanctions.
In August 2016 the secretary of health vacated the suspension of registered nursing assistant Rigaberto Prieto (NA60250868). In August 2016 the Nursing Assistant Program charged registered nursing assistant Rigoberto Prieto-Lozano (NA60250868) with unprofessional conduct. Charges say he wasn’t present when he was scheduled to be on duty at a residential care facility.
In September 2016 the Nursing Commission conditionally granted a registered nurse credential to William Edward Strawn (RN60682468) and ordered him to undergo evaluation for a substance abuse monitoring program. In 2015 Strawn signed an agreement with the Arizona State Board of Nursing to abstain from alcohol, substances containing alcohol, mind-altering medications, and controlled and/or potentially addictive substances.
In September 2016 the secretary of health ended conditions on the credential of certified medical assistant Abigail Mary Fryman (CM60421253).
Cowlitz County
In August 2016 the Massage Program placed massage practitioner Scott R. Lesieur (MA00010635) on probation for at least one year. Lesieur improperly touched a student during a tutoring session and made sexual comments.
Island County
In August 2016 the secretary of health conditionally granted a chemical dependency professional trainee credential to Holly Vashti George (CO60658567) and placed her on probation until at least Jan. 26, 2020. George must comply with conditions imposed when her licensed mental health counselor credential was placed on probation in 2015.
King County
In August 2016 the Medical Commission filed a second amended statement of charges against physician Bjorn B. Krane (MD00044958) involving an operation in which Krane allegedly had a role.
In August 2016 the secretary of health conditionally granted an agency-affiliated counselor credential to Jennifer Marie McPherson (CG60568026), placed her on probation, directed her to complete continuing education in professional law and ethics, and ordered her to undergo an evaluation for a substance abuse monitoring program. Between 2003 and 2014, McPherson was convicted of eight felonies and two gross misdemeanors.
In August 2016 the secretary of health withdrew a statement of charges against massage practitioner Robin A. Knutsen (MA00022652).
In August 2016 the Nursing Assistant Program charged registered nursing assistant Jeremy Tyler Smith (NA60433382) with unprofessional conduct. In 2016 Smith pleaded guilty to second-degree vehicle prowl, but allegedly didn’t report the conviction to the Department of Health.
In August 2016 the secretary of health denied the request of certified nursing assistant Mabinty Williams (NC10093665) to reinstate her credential, which was suspended in 2012 after she was convicted of third-degree assault involving an incident with a baby for whom she provided care.
In August 2016 the Medical Commission ended probation for physician Jonathan V. Wright (MD00011394).
In August 2016 the secretary of health ordered Fengqin Hu to cease and desist from practicing massage without a license, and pay a $1,000 fine. Hu, who doesn’t have a massage practitioner credential, owns a business that advertised massage.
Lewis County
In August 2016 the Unlicensed Practice Program modified an agreement with Kimala Kai to require her to cease and desist from practicing massage and counseling without a license, and pay $250 fine. Kai, who has no massage or counseling license, advertised both massage and counseling services, and provided massage treatment.
Pierce County
In August 2016 the Nursing Assistant Program charged registered nursing assistant Nancy L. Mathews (NA00080222) with unprofessional conduct. Mathews allegedly didn’t fully comply with requirements regarding a mental examination.
In August 2016 the secretary of health withdrew a statement of charges against marriage and family therapist, mental health counselor, and chemical dependency professional John L. Casteele Jr. (LF00001490, LH00006610, CP00002471).
In August 2016 the Pharmacy Commission charged pharmacy technician Dawn V. Abundis (VA00043113) with unprofessional conduct. Charges say Abundis admitted diverting controlled substances from the pharmacy where she worked, and that a second-degree theft charge was dismissed after she entered a pretrial diversion program.
Snohomish County
In August 2016 the secretary of health conditionally granted a chemical dependency professional credential to Nancy Lee Budd (CP60650825), who must continue to comply with conditions on her chemical dependency professional trainee credential.
Thurston County
In August 2016 the Unlicensed Practice Program notified Rhonda Dobbs of its intent to issue a cease-and-desist order. Dobbs allegedly signed and issued a medical cannabis recommendation despite having no health care credential.
Yakima County
In September 2016 the secretary of health ended conditions on the credential of certified medical assistant Engie Hernandez-Barocio (CM60545958).
Out of State
California: In September 2016 the Nursing Assistant Program agreed to reinstate the certified nursing assistant credential of DeWayne O. Williams (NC10052564) and placed him on probation for at least one year. His license was revoked in 2006 after he failed to report criminal convictions.
Idaho: In July 2016 the Nursing Commission denied a licensed practical nurse credential to Aaron Nile Mattes (LP60647531). In 2012 Mattes was convicted in Idaho of driving under the influence. In 2016 he was charged in Idaho with driving while intoxicated. Charges say he didn’t comply with a commission requirement to undergo a substance use evaluation.
Louisiana: In August 2016 the Medical Commission withdrew a statement of charges against physician Eric E. Holt (MD00047247), lifted his license suspension and reinstated his license.
New Mexico: In August 2016 the Medical Commission charged physician David L. Dickerman (MD00036697) with unprofessional conduct. Dickerman allegedly didn’t comply with a substance abuse monitoring contract.
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.
The Department of Health website (doh.wa.gov) is your source for a healthy dose of information. Also, find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
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