For immediate release: October 14, 2019 (19-114)
Contact: Sharon Moysiuk, Strategic Communications Office 360-549-6471
Public inquiries: Health Systems Customer Service 360-236-4700
State revokes, suspends licenses, certifications, registrations of health care providers
OLYMPIA -- The Washington State Department of Health has revoked or suspended the licenses, certifications, or registrations of health care providers in our state. The department has also immediately suspended the credentials of people who have been prohibited from practicing in other states.
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’s website. Click on “Look up a health care provider license” in the “How Do I?” section of the Department of Health home page (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 also encouraged to call and report their complaint.
Chelan County
In September 2019 the Nursing Assistant Program charged certified nursing assistant Yezica Padilla (NC60670391) with unprofessional conduct and immediately suspended her credential. The state Department of Social and Health Services determined that Padilla financially exploited a vulnerable adult. Her placement on its long-term care abuse and neglect registry bars her from being employed in caring for or having unsupervised access to vulnerable adults.
Clark County
In September 2019 the Nursing Assistant Program charged certified nursing assistant Keri Kaylene Picone (NC10036961) with unprofessional conduct and immediately suspended her credential. The state Department of Social and Health Services, which found that Picone financially exploited a vulnerable adult, placed her on its long-term care abuse and neglect registry. That prohibits her from being employed in caring for or having unsupervised access to vulnerable adults.
Cowlitz County
In September 2019 the secretary of health indefinitely suspended the chemical dependency professional, mental health counselor associate, and mental health counselor credentials of Chelcie Marie Kolaski (CP60131132, MC60562432, LH60792130). In 2018 Kolaski was convicted in Oregon of recklessly endangering another person, and entered a diversion agreement on a driving under the influence of intoxicants charge.
King County
In August 2019 the Surgical Technologist Program entered an agreement with surgical technologist Sean Patrick Pearson (ST60110525) that indefinitely suspends his credential. Pearson’s physician assistant credential was suspended in June 2019 in connection with a determination that he was unable to safely practice that profession.
Snohomish County
In September 2019 the Nursing Assistant Program charged certified nursing assistant Julia Davis Keels (NC60451367) with unprofessional conduct and immediately suspended her credential. After the state Department of Social and Health Services found that Keels neglected a vulnerable adult, it placed her on its long-term care abuse and neglect registry. That means Keels can’t be employed in caring for or having unsupervised access to vulnerable adults.
Spokane County
In September 2019 the Nursing Commission entered an agreement with licensed practical nurse and registered nurse Robert Bruce Van Horn (LP00039581, RN00112595) that indefinitely suspends his credentials. While working at a hospital, Van Horn replaced spilled medication with water before disposing of it. He tested positive for alcohol after his eyes appeared red and glassy, and he looked pale.
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