For immediate release: October 22, 2018 (18-151)
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OLYMPIA -- The Washington State Department of Health has taken disciplinary actions or withdrawn charges against health care providers in our state.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.
Benton County
In October 2018 the Nursing Commission charged registered nurse Elizabeth D. Metteer, also known as Elizabeth Esteban Young (RN60079788), with unprofessional conduct. While Metteer was working at a nursing home, she allegedly didn’t assess two residents or give them their medications during her shift.
Clark County
In October 2018 the Occupational Therapy Board charged occupational therapist Kimberly H. Bayes (OT00004170) with unprofessional conduct. In 2017, after being arrested in connection with driving under the influence while she was on her lunch break, Bayes pleaded guilty to first-degree negligent driving. Charges say she tested positive for THC, cocaine, and prescription medication. Also in 2017, according to charges, Bayes resigned from her job in lieu of termination after testing positive for cocaine. Bayes allegedly entered treatment for substance abuse.
King County
In October 2018 the Unlicensed Practice Program notified Beatrice Freeman of its intent to issue a cease-and-desist order. Freeman allegedly advertised relaxation or massage services, but doesn’t have a massage therapist license.
Pierce County
In October 2018 the Nursing Commission charged registered nurse Susan Marie Inglis (RN00041992) with unprofessional conduct. The nurse’s credential expired in 2013, but she allegedly continued to practice without an active license until 2018, when she applied to reactivate her license.
In October 2018 the Nursing Commission charged licensed practical nurse David S. Yearwood (LP00051854) with unprofessional conduct. Yearwood allegedly gave a patient medication contrary to orders.
In September 2018 the secretary of health denied a certified behavior technician credential to Debra Marie Spencer (CB60843512). Spencer’s Washington registered nurse license was suspended in 2006 in connection with drug diversion. Her California registered nurse license was revoked in 2010, after which she was fined $2,500 for working with a revoked license.
Spokane County
In October 2018 the secretary of health ended probation for medical assistant hemodialysis technician Olga V. Primakov (HT60471032).
In October 2018 the secretary of health ended conditions on the chemical dependency professional trainee credential of Amelia Tegan Lee Weaks (CO60560042).
In October 2018 the secretary of health ended probation for chemical dependency professional trainee and chemical dependency professional Tanya K. Sturm (CO60475923, CP60642698).
Thurston County
In October 2018 the secretary of health ended conditions on the agency-affiliated counselor credential of Leandra Dishan Calhoun (CG60673119).
Out of State
Idaho: In October 2018 the Mental Health Counseling and Agency-Affiliated Counselor programs charged mental health counselor associate and agency-affiliated counselor Ashley M. Alexander (MC60758086, CG60598916) with unprofessional conduct. Alexander allegedly had romantic or sexual relations with a former client.
Oregon: In October 2018 the secretary of health withdrew a notice of intent to issue a cease-and-desist order to Chrysalis Yashpal Jayne.
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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