For immediate release: October 9, 2019 (19-111)
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 Commission indefinitely suspended the registered nurse credential of Dorene Luke Filion (RN00061566). Filion used a bed sheet and an apron to secure a 94-year-old dementia patient at an adult family home where she worked. The state Department of Social and Health Services found that Filion had abused a vulnerable adult. Filion can’t be employed in caring for or having unsupervised access to vulnerable adults.
Franklin County
In September 2019 the secretary of health revoked the home care aide credential of Concepcion I. Suarez (HM60705746). In 2019 Suarez was sentenced in connection with first-degree possession of depictions of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct, and second-degree sexual misconduct with a minor.
Pierce County
In September 2019 the secretary of health indefinitely suspended the home care aide credential of Jerome Scott Connolly (HM60842925), who misused methamphetamine while caring for a client.
In September 2019 the Nursing Commission entered an agreement with licensed practical nurse Karen E. Riveness (LP00048682) that indefinitely suspends her credential. Riveness didn’t complete required supervised clinical medication administration and documentation, and didn’t enroll in a required refresher course.
Skagit County
In September 2019 the secretary of health indefinitely suspended the massage therapist credential of Faye Carmel Hudson (MA00006641), who didn’t supply proof of having completed required continuing education.
Snohomish County
In September 2019 the Dental Commission entered an agreement with dental assistant Jennifer Mikele Compton (D160029782) under which she surrendered her credential. Compton diverted and abused nitrous oxide at the dental office where she worked.
Spokane County
In September 2019 the secretary of health suspended for at least 12 months the registered nursing assistant credential of Jerry R. Hiatt (NA60280507). The state Department of Social and Health Services, which determined that Hiatt abused a vulnerable adult, placed him on its long-term care abuse and neglect registry. That bars him from being employed in caring for or having unsupervised access to vulnerable adults.
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