State disciplines health care providers

For immediate release: January 28, 2016                                                 (16-010)

Contact:  Media inquiries: Sharon Moysiuk, Communications Office          360-236-4074
                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OLYMPIA -- The Washington State Department of Health has taken disciplinary actions or withdrawn charges against health care providers in our state.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.

Clallam County

In September 2015 the Physical Therapy Board conditionally granted a physical therapist assistant credential to Kimberly A. Tinsley (P160562886) and placed her on probation for at least two years. Tinsley was convicted of five felonies and four gross misdemeanors between 1998 and 2008.

Clark County

In September 2015 the Medical Commission approved an agreed order modifying a 2012 agreement with physician Patrick K. Chau (MD00030053), amending his oversight status and practice plan. Chau remains restricted from the practice of forensic medicine and providing evaluations for court-related proceedings.

In August 2015 the Nursing Commission reinstated the registered nurse credential of Shannon Leigh LaTendresse (RN60321931) and ordered her to continue participating in a substance abuse monitoring program. LaTendresse’s license was suspended in January 2015 in connection with heroin use.

In September 2015 the Nursing Assistant Program charged registered nursing assistant Allicen Lorraine Murray (NA60413006) with unprofessional conduct. While working for an in-home care agency, Murray allegedly took gift certificates belonging to two vulnerable adult patients.

Cowlitz County

In September 2015 the secretary of health ended probation for chemical dependency professional trainee Dallas Ryan De La Grange (CO60335804).

King County

In August 2015 the Nursing Commission entered an agreement with registered nurse Erika Gonzalez (RN60254091) requiring her to participate in a substance abuse monitoring program. Gonzalez didn’t comply with a previous substance abuse monitoring contract.

In September 2015 the secretary of health granted a massage practitioner credential to Ashley Elizabeth Fritz (MA60550395), placed her on probation for at least one year, and she was ordered to undergo continuing education in law and ethics. In 2011 Fritz was convicted of second-degree attempted theft.

Mason County

In September 2015 the Nursing Assistant Program charged certified nursing assistant Stacey Anna Marie Campbell (NC60241839) with unprofessional conduct. In 2015 Campbell was convicted of fourth-degree assault — domestic violence.

In September 2015 the Pharmacy Commission reinstated the pharmacy technician credential of Lillian H. Bernal (VA00067708) and ordered her to continue participating in a substance abuse monitoring program. Bernal’s license was suspended in 2011after she pleaded guilty to obtaining a legend drug by fraud.

Pierce County

In September 2015 the Nursing Assistant Program charged certified nursing assistant Timberly A. Angle (NC10031040) with unprofessional conduct. Charges say Angle used a patient’s cash machine card to make unauthorized withdrawals of at least $1,500. In 2015 she was convicted of second-degree identity theft and second-degree theft.

In August 2015 the Nursing Commission agreed to reinstate the registered nurse credential of Tara L. Munford (RN60140309) and placed her on probation for at least one year. Munford didn’t comply with terms of a previous agreement.

In September 2015 the Licensed Independent Social Worker Program entered an agreement with licensed independent social worker Michael K. Strub (LW00004263) placing him on probation for at least two years. Strub didn’t meet the standard of care for a client in about 270 psychotherapy sessions over about four years. Strub held extended sessions without medical necessity or client improvement; didn’t adequately assess, treat, or document the client’s conditions; created a risk due to the client’s overdependence on Strub; created a lack of continuity in treatment; and created a risk of harm to the patient.

In September 2015 the secretary of health granted a massage practitioner credential to Jeremiah Ryan DeBoer (MA60546710) and placed him on probation for at least two years. In 2008 DeBoer was convicted in Minnesota of theft-take/use/transfer movable property-no consent. In 2009 he was convicted in Minnesota of driving while intoxicated. In 2013 he was convicted of third-degree theft in Washington.

Snohomish County

In August 2015 the Nursing Assistant Program charged registered nursing assistant Patrick Mwangi Gitau (NA60137794) with unprofessional conduct. Charges say a patient at a support organization for people with developmental disabilities reported having sexual contact, including intercourse with Gitau.

Spokane County

In August 2015 the Nursing Assistant Program charged registered nursing assistant Holly A. Bickerstaff (NA60480028) with unprofessional conduct. Bickerstaff allegedly didn’t respond to a Department of Health investigator’s inquiry about a complaint filed against her.

In July 2015 the secretary of health denied a certified nursing assistant credential to LeeAnn Rae Eginton (NC60526052). In 2015 Eginton was convicted of third-degree malicious mischief.

In September 2015 the Nursing Assistant Program charged registered nursing assistant Deadra Jane Pierre (NA60522323) with unprofessional conduct. While working at an adult family home, Pierre allegedly removed the door knob to a resident’s room to prevent the resident from leaving.

Thurston County

In August 2015 the Nursing Commission entered an agreement with registered nurse Robin Mikealson-Sparrow (RN00156458) placing her on probation for at least three years and fining her $1,000. The agreement limits situations in which Mikealson-Sparrow may work. She must complete continuing education in documentation, ethics, patient safety, assessment, and critical thinking and decision-making, and submit a written report. Mikealson-Sparrow worked at a hospital chemical dependency center, where she treated a patient for alcohol detoxification. She documented a low blood pressure reading for the patient, but didn’t notify the patient’s primary care provider or reassess the patient as required.

In September 2015 the Pharmacy Commission reinstated the pharmacist credential of Deneice Gurrad (PH00019299) and placed her on probation for at least one year. Gurrad’s license was suspended in 2007 in connection with diverting drugs.

Whatcom County

In July 2015 the secretary of health denied a registered nursing assistant credential to Gerard Kalin Monetathchi (NA60557714). On his application, Monetathchi said he’d never had a health care license suspended; however his Colorado nurse aide license was suspended in 2013.

Yakima County

In September 2015 the Home Care Aide and Medical Assistant programs charged home care aide and certified medical assistant Diana Espinoza (HM60445425, CM60450152) with unprofessional conduct. In 2015 Espinoza was convicted of forgery and third-degree theft in connection with the theft of cash and checks from clients.

Out of State

Montana: In August 2015 the Nursing Commission entered an agreement with registered nurse Loredana Mae Ratliff (RN60529719) that requires her to participate in a substance abuse monitoring program. Ratliff’s Montana license was suspended in 2015 in connection with drug and alcohol issues.

Nebraska: In August 2015 the Occupational Therapy Board entered an agreement with occupational therapist Steve Michael Salinas (OT00004520) that permits him to reactivate his Washington license and requires him to undergo an evaluation for a substance abuse monitoring program. Between 2000 and 2003 Salinas was convicted twice in Nebraska of driving under the influence of alcohol. In 2009 cocaine was found in his car during a traffic stop in California; he admitted using cocaine and was arrested. In 2011 his California occupational therapy license was placed on probation for misuse of controlled substances. While on probation, subsequent tests showed alcohol and cocaine in his system. In 2012 Salinas was convicted in California of driving while intoxicated. Salinas surrendered his California license in 2012.

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.