State disciplines health care providers

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OLYMPIA -- The Washington State Department of Health has taken disciplinary actions or withdrawn charges against health care providers in our state.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 September 2018 the Dental Commission charged dentist and dentist moderate sedation with parenteral agents permit holder Liem Duy Do (DE00008159, CS60302995) with unprofessional conduct. Charges say Do’s treatment records for three patients don’t match or support the treatment provided, that he billed for treatment that isn’t in a patient record, and that he told a patient he didn’t have time to answer questions about treatment.

In August 2018 the secretary of health denied an agency-affiliated counselor credential to Sally Jean Bovee (CG60835954). In 2015 Bovee was convicted of first-degree criminal trespass, attempted bail jumping, and fourth-degree assault. Bovee didn’t provide proof of having undergone a required substance use evaluation.

Grays Harbor County

In September 2018 the Medical Assistant Program charged certified medical assistant Alana S. Garst Biggs (CM60367100) with unprofessional conduct. In 2018 Biggs was convicted of first-degree theft, two counts of first-degree identity theft, and seven counts of second-degree identity theft.

King County

In September 2018 the Massage Therapist Program charged massage therapist Liu Baichao (MA60418600) with unprofessional conduct. Baichao allegedly owns a business where an unlicensed massage therapist sexually assaulted two clients, resulting in criminal charges of second-degree rape and indecent liberties with sexual motivation.

Pierce County

In September 2018 the Osteopathic Board entered an agreement with osteopathic physician Kent R. Walker (OP00001577) that places him on probation for five years from the effective date of a 2017 Oregon State Medical Board order that reprimanded Walker, placed him on probation, and fined him $5,000 in connection with actions involving five patients in that state.

In August 2018 the Pharmacy Commission denied a pharmacy assistant credential to Katrina M. Leer (VB60790400). From 2002 to 2012 Leer was convicted of four felonies and five gross misdemeanors.

In September 2018 the Dental Commission conditionally granted a dental assistant credential to Nicole Marie Hedstrom (D160882009) and ordered her to participate in a substance abuse monitoring program. From 2011 to 2017 Hedstrom was convicted in Montana of eight offenses.

Walla Walla County

In August 2018 the secretary of health denied a certified nursing assistant credential to Casie Marie Eicher (NC60849546). In 2012 Eicher entered a diversion agreement on an Oregon charge of driving under the influence of intoxicants. In 2016 she was convicted in Oregon of driving under the influence of intoxicants. Eicher didn’t provide proof of having undergone a required substance use evaluation.

Out of State

California: In September 2018 the Nursing Commission ended conditions on the registered nurse credential of Mark Raymond Dunn (RN60585610).

Oregon: In September 2018 the Psychology Board conditionally granted a psychologist credential to Stephanie Andrea Hovda (PY60830700) and ordered her to continue receiving mental health counseling. In 2002 Hovda was convicted in Oregon of two counts of second-degree criminal mischief. In 2004 she was convicted in Oregon of second-degree theft. In 2006 she was convicted in Oregon of possession of a forged instrument.

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.