State disciplines health care providers

For immediate release: October 4, 2017  (17-140)

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OLYMPIA -- The Washington State Department of Health has taken disciplinary actions or withdrawn charges against health care providers in our state.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 August 2017 the secretary of health denied a home care aide credential to Ashley D. Tower (HM60747619). The notice of decision says Tower tested positive for morphine after diverting drugs from two clients while working as a caregiver.

In September 2017 the Nursing Assistant and Home Care Aide programs charged registered nursing assistant and home care aide Caroline Wairigu Njoroge (NA60472617, HM60532659) with unprofessional conduct. Njoroge allegedly reported between two and three hours late to accompany a patient on an outing. Charges say Njoroge was arrested in connection with criminal trespass after refusing to leave the facility. Charges also say a breath alcohol test yielded a result of .17.

Lewis County

In September 2017 the Nursing Commission charged licensed practical nurse Alison Lynn Johnson (LP60015869) with being unable to practice with reasonable skill and safety. While employed as an in-home private duty nurse, charges say, she remained in a patient’s home for several hours after her shift ended, went through the family’s mail, used the shower, and put on a family member’s clothes. She allegedly said she was being placed in a witness protection program and that the patient’s family was helping her. Charges also say a subsequent evaluation found significant evidence that Johnson suffers from a psychotic disorder and delusions, and isn’t receiving treatment.

In September 2017 the secretary of health ordered Rose J. Dilbeck to cease and desist from practicing massage without a license, and pay a $1,000 fine. Dilbeck, who advertised and admitted practicing massage, doesn’t have a massage practitioner license.

Pierce County

In September 2017 the secretary of health conditionally granted an agency-affiliated counselor credential to Tarae Tardy (CG60779627), who must continue to comply with a substance abuse monitoring contract to which she agreed when she received a chemical dependency professional trainee credential in June 2017.

Thurston County

In September 2017 the Unlicensed Practice Program issued a notice of intent to issue a cease-and-desist order to Michael Wilson. Although he has no chiropractor or physician license, Wilson allegedly offered to draw blood from a state resident to analyze and give advice on how to treat a disease or other condition.

Out of State

Arizona: In September 2017 the Nursing Commission charged registered nurse and advanced registered nurse practitioner Sukanlaya Hughes, also known as Laura Lynn Smith (RN60576020, AP60576937), with unprofessional conduct. Under the name Hughes, her registered nurse and advanced registered nurse practitioner credentials were suspended in 2015. Under the name Smith, she applied for and received registered nurse and advanced registered nurse practitioner credentials in 2016. She didn’t disclose that she held suspended credentials under the name Hughes. Her credentials under the name Smith were revoked in 2017.

Idaho: In September 2017 the Dental Commission charged dentist Tera Maree Greene (DE60056652) with unprofessional conduct. Charges say Greene received about $5,045 from a patient for a “signature dentures” package. She allegedly closed her dental practice without notifying the patient, who received neither permanent dentures nor a refund.

Nevada: In September 2017 the Dental Commission charged dentist Travis Zean Kirkland (DE60328480) with unprofessional conduct. Kirkland allegedly didn’t fulfill three patients’ request for timely transfer of complete records to another dental practice.

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.