State disciplines health care providers

For immediate release: October 25, 2018  (18-154)

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OLYMPIA -- The Washington State Department of Health has taken disciplinary actions or withdrawn charges against health care providers in our state.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 October 2018 the Medical Commission entered an agreement with physician Chester C. Hu (MD00039238) that fines him $5,000 and places conditions on his practice. Hu must complete a compliance orientation, make personal appearances, and adhere to guidelines for monitoring and managing sedation procedures for pediatric dental patients. He must submit to practice reviews, follow pre-anesthesia and recovery procedures, and see that support personnel conform to the standard of care. The physician must write and present a scholarly paper about anesthesia and sedation risks. Hu administered anesthetic to a 4-year-old boy with developmental delays. The boy developed complications and died after a dental procedure. Hu didn’t make use of appropriate monitoring equipment, and didn’t assign an appropriately trained and credentialed person to continuously monitor the patient. Hu’s failure to meet the standard of care put the patient at grievous risk of harm and contributed to his death.

In September 2018 the secretary of health denied an agency-affiliated counselor credential to Melissa D. Boyd (CG60835968). Between 2014 and 2016, Boyd was convicted of two felonies, five gross misdemeanors, and one misdemeanor. She didn’t supply proof of having completed a required substance use evaluation.

King County

In October 2018 the Massage Therapist Program charged massage therapist Elizabeth Faye Johnson (MA60340081) with unprofessional conduct. Johnson allegedly didn’t complete required continuing education.

In October 2018 the Psychology Board ended conditions on the psychologist credential of Steven R. Kubacki (PY00002316).

In October 2018 the Medical Commission ended restrictions on the practice of physician Jerry N. Mixon (MD00023643).

In October 2018 the Medical Commission ended conditions on the practice of physician Christopher S. Jack (MD60001446).

Pierce County

In October 2018 the Nursing Assistant Program charged registered nursing assistant Hinga Eric Gikaru (NA60534707) with unprofessional conduct. Gikaru allegedly assaulted a client, causing injuries that required medical treatment. Charges say Gikaru first claimed the client had caused the injuries, but subsequently admitted he had hit and kicked the client.

In September 2018 the secretary of health denied an agency-affiliated counselor credential to Charnay Dibble Ducrest, also known as Charnay Robinson (CG60856429). Between 2012 and 2018, Ducrest was convicted of two felonies and six gross misdemeanors.

In October 2018 the Nursing Commission ended probation for registered nurse Robin G. Mikealson-Sparrow (RN00156458).

Snohomish County

In October 2018 the Nursing Commission modified an agreement with licensed practical nurse Marie-Josee Harimenshi (LP60108692) to remove a requirement for continuing education in safe medication administration.

Spokane County

In September 2018 the secretary of health denied a certified nursing assistant credential to Jayme Lynn Cooper (NC60175377). In 2011 Cooper was convicted of first-degree negligent driving. In 2015 she was convicted of driving under the influence, and of hit-and-run unattended.

Out of State

Alaska: In October 2018 the Medical Commission charged physician John E. Pappenheim (MD60621748) with unprofessional conduct. In 2017 the Alaska Medical Board reprimanded Pappenheim for unlicensed practice and for failing to notify the board of a change in hospital privileges. After being charged in 2017 with driving under the influence, Pappenheim was diagnosed with a disorder.