For immediate release: November 15, 2019 (19-131)
Contact: Sharon Moysiuk, Communications 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OLYMPIA -- The Washington State Department of Health has taken disciplinary actions or withdrawn charges against health care providers in our state.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., dentists, nurses, counselors). Information about disciplinary action taken against medical doctors and physician assistants can be found on the Washington Medical Commission (WMC) website. Questions about WMC disciplinary actions can be sent to media@wmc.wa.gov.
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.
Cowlitz County
In October 2019 the Nursing Commission entered an agreement with registered nurse Heather Claudine Sumerlin (RN60024312) that places her on probation and requires her to complete a refresher course. Sumerlin misappropriated more than $1,700 from her elderly landlord.
King County
In October 2019 the Dental Commission entered an agreement with dentist Geoffrey Robert Strange (DE00005625), who violated the standard of care in treating a patient whose smoking affected her dental health. Strange must refund fees and costs, and complete continuing education in implant failure.
In October 2019 the secretary of health conditionally granted a home care aide credential to Michael Frederick Vaughn (HM60960422) and placed him on probation until February 20, 2020. Vaughn’s mental health counselor credential was reinstated with conditions in 2018 after having been suspended in 2014.
In October 2019 the secretary of health ended conditions on the poison information specialist credential of Richard Paul Cole (ES60689003).
In October 2019 the secretary of health ended conditions on the certified nursing assistant credential of Crescent Sunday Egboh (NC60586031).
In October 2019 the Psychology Board charged psychologist Lynette Dufton Pullmann (PY60144022) with unprofessional conduct. Pullmann allegedly ended a psychological relationship with a client and immediately began a romantic dating relationship with the client. Pullmann allegedly initially informed a Department of Health investigator that she had never provided psychological services to the client, and that she couldn’t produce patient records as none existed. Pullmann subsequently admitted that she had lied and that the client had been a patient, and produced patient records for the client.
Pierce County
In October 2019 the Nursing Commission charged registered nurse Nancy Alice O’Leary (RN00110987) with unprofessional conduct. In 2018 O’Leary pleaded guilty to felony driving under the influence. At the time she was subject to a 2017 agreement related to a driving under the influence conviction.
In October 2019 the secretary of health conditionally granted a substance use disorder professional trainee credential to Jenny Lynn Iredale (CO60969949) and placed her on probation for at least 42 months. In 2015 Iredale was convicted on one count of first-degree identity theft, three counts of second-degree identity theft, 10 counts of forgery, and one count of first-degree theft.
In October 2019 the secretary of health ended probation for registered nursing assistant Amber Caye Schaecher, also known as Amber Caye Moore (NA60407392).
In October 2019 the Pharmacy Commission charged pharmacy technician Connie Hy Taylor (VA00041354) with unprofessional conduct. Taylor allegedly appeared to be under the influence of alcohol while working at a pharmacy. She allegedly didn’t respond to a commission investigator’s inquiry.
In October 2019 the Nursing Assistant Program charged certified nursing assistant Sirina Teouri (NC60605553) with unprofessional conduct. Charges say Teouri sent her mother to impersonate her and to work her shift as a nursing assistant even though her mother has no Washington health care provider credential.
Snohomish County
In October 2019 the secretary of health ended probation for respiratory care practitioner Jennifer King Anderson, also known as Jennifer Anderson Rose (LR60172128).
Spokane County
In October 2019 the secretary of health reinstated the massage therapist credential of Marcia K. Kampster (MA00009117). Kampster’s license was suspended in June 2019 because she hadn’t completed required skills training.
Thurston County
In October 2019 the Nursing Commission entered an agreement with licensed practical nurse Denise L. Martin (LP00046339) that requires her to undergo evaluation for a substance abuse monitoring program, and that places her on probation if she isn’t required to enroll in the program. While working at a transitional care and rehabilitation facility, Martin had discrepancies in documenting the withdrawal and administration of narcotic medication.
Whatcom County
In October 2019 the Pharmacy Commission ended probation for pharmacist Benjamin David Walling (PH60506562).
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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