For immediate release: September 26, 2018 (18-138)
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OLYMPIA -- The Washington State Department of Health has taken disciplinary actions or withdrawn charges against health care providers in our state.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 September 2018 the Dental Commission entered an agreement with dentist Donald Ray Lunt (DE00006590) that fines him $5,000 and requires him to reimburse the commission for $5,582.16 in expenses. The dentist must pass a jurisprudence exam and complete continuing education in documentation and recordkeeping, nerve injury and repair, and pathology. Lunt didn’t meet the standard of care in treating a patient who had a fibrous growth in her mouth. The patient was subsequently diagnosed with an irreparable nerve injury.
King County
In September 2018 the Dental Hygienist Program charged dental hygienist Shanalee Ackerman (DH60087678) with unprofessional conduct. Charges say Ackerman’s South Carolina dental hygienist license was suspended in 2017, and that she didn’t respond to a Department of Health investigator’s inquiry.
In September 2018 the Agency-Affiliated Counselor, Mental Health Counselor, and Chemical Dependency Professional programs agreed to reinstate the agency-affiliated counselor, mental health counselor, and chemical dependency professional credentials of Bobbie Denise Catton (CG60131664, MC60210787, CP60074797) and ordered her to continue participating in a substance abuse monitoring program. In 2013 Catton was convicted of first-degree criminal impersonation. In 2014 her licenses were suspended.
In September 2018 the Nursing Assistant Program agreed to reinstate the registered nursing assistant credential of Bailey M. Burton, also known as Bailey M. Giard (NA00190780), and placed her on probation for at least 18 months. Burton’s license was suspended in 2009 because she didn’t comply with conditions imposed on her.
In August 2018 the Pharmacy Commission denied a pharmacy assistant credential to Dan Van Tran (VB60813129), who in 2004 was convicted of four counts of second-degree child molestation.
In September 2018 the Nursing Commission ended conditions on the registered nurse and advanced registered nurse practitioner credentials of Patricia Jeanne Yetneberk (RN00086833, AP30003456).
Pierce County
In September 2018 the Nursing Commission ended conditions on the licensed practical nurse credential of Valle Theresa Baker (LP00042473).
In September 2018 the Nursing Commission ended conditions on the licensed practical nurse credential of Cary Frese Sneberger (LP60139250).
In September 2018 the Medical Commission withdrew a statement of charges against physician Devendra K. Vora (MD00040724).
Spokane County
In September 2018 the secretary of health ended conditions on the certified medical assistant credential of Jolene LaVon Pearson (CM60369751).
In September 2018 the Nursing Commission ended conditions on the registered nurse credential of Nancye N. Hensz (RN00172143).
Thurston County
In September 2018 the Dental Commission conditionally granted a dental assistant credential to Jenny C. Palacios (D160863014) and ordered her to participate in a substance abuse monitoring program. In 2016 Palacios was convicted of unlawful solicitation to possess a controlled substance.
In September 2018 the Nursing Assistant Program charged certified nursing assistant Ray E. Serrano (NC10101952) with unprofessional conduct. Serrano allegedly admitted engaging in sexual contact with a former patient.
Out of State
California: In September 2018 the Dental Commission withdrew a statement of charges against dentist Ashish Prakash Sharma (DE60341917).
Oregon: In September 2018 the secretary of health conditionally granted a chemical dependency professional trainee credential to Nicole Rayann Hamberger (CO60856270) and ordered her to participate in a substance abuse monitoring program. In 2014 Hamberger was convicted of two counts of possession of a controlled substance-methamphetamine, second-degree theft, two counts of third-degree theft, and reckless driving.
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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