For immediate release: October 20, 2016 (16-122)
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., medical doctors, nurses, counselors).
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 August 2016 the secretary of health suspended the certified nursing assistant credential of Kristin M. Romig (NC60334254) for at least 10 years. In 2016 Romig was convicted of first-degree theft, second-degree identity theft and second-degree possession of stolen property. The convictions were a result of Romig financially exploiting a person to whom Romig provided care. Romig’s sentence for the criminal convictions requires evaluation and treatment for chemical dependency.
Clark County
In August 2016 the Mental Health Counselor Program entered an agreement with mental health counselor Lowell Terry Bell (LH00006920) under which he surrendered his credential. Bell told a patient that her husband, who was also a patient, represented a threat to her safety, but didn’t refer her to a domestic violence protection program or shelter. Bell spoke to a patient’s attorney without the patient’s approval, didn’t disclose required information to patients, and didn’t provide a Department of Health investigator with treatment records.
In August 2016 the Nursing Commission indefinitely suspended the registered nurse credential of Carolyn J. Boundey (RN00060601), who didn’t comply with terms of probation.
In August 2016 the secretary of health suspended the massage practitioner credential of Lindsey Rogers (MA60143142) for at least two years. Rogers allegedly offered to perform massage with an expired credential.
Grays Harbor County
In August 2016 the Pharmacy Commission indefinitely suspended the pharmacist credential of Marcie J. Lund (PH00022305). Lund misappropriated money at least 22 times from pharmacies where she worked. Lund, who was subject to a substance abuse monitoring contract, possessed controlled substances for which she had no prescriptions.
King County
In July 2016 the Chemical Dependency Professional Program indefinitely suspended the chemical dependency professional trainee credential of Rahmaud Ruebin Lawrence (CO60615201), who didn’t comply with a substance abuse monitoring program.
In August 2016 the secretary of health indefinitely suspended the chemical dependency professional and agency-affiliated counselor credentials of Andrew W. Winstead (CP00002742, CG60283481). Winstead displayed sexual behavior toward a client, stole and inappropriately used letterhead, practiced with an expired license, and filed reports after his certification was canceled.
In August 2016 the Nursing Assistant Program charged registered nursing assistant Miriama L. Vakamoce (NA00109609) with unprofessional conduct and immediately suspended her credential. In 2015 the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) determined Vakamoce had neglected a vulnerable adult in her care. In 2016 DSHS prohibited her from being employed in caring for or having unsupervised access to vulnerable adults.
Pierce County
In August 2016 the secretary of health suspended the chemical dependency professional credential of Jason W. Hindman (CO60363483) for at least five years. Hindman had sexual contact with a client.
In August 2016 the secretary of health indefinitely suspended the chemical dependency professional trainee credential of Katherine Elizabeth Ellison (CO60612063), who didn’t comply with a substance abuse monitoring program.
In August 2016 the Nursing Commission indefinitely suspended the registered nurse credential of Victoria Lee Funk, also known as Victoria Lee Sulik (RN60176992). In 2016 the Arizona State Board of Nursing revoked Funk’s license to practice nursing in that state.
In August 2016 the Nursing Assistant Program charged certified nursing assistant Matthew L. Langford (NC10077702) with unprofessional conduct and immediately suspended his credential. In 2016 the state Department of Social and Health Services determined Langford had financially exploited a vulnerable adult. He can’t be employed in caring for or have unsupervised access to vulnerable adults.
In August 2016 the secretary of health suspended the registered nursing assistant and certified nursing assistant credentials of Katherine Andrea Joy Pierce (NA60290557, NC60520494) for at least five years. Pierce altered paychecks she received from an elderly functionally blind patient, financially exploiting the patient for more than $1,500.
In August 2016 the Nursing Assistant Program entered an agreement with registered nursing assistant Kara Marie Salvey (NA60261477) that suspends her credential for at least two years. In 2016 Salvey was convicted of third-degree theft after she stole money from a patient at an assisted living center where she worked.
In August 2016 the Medical Commission entered an agreement with physician Eric J. Smith (MD00028050) that indefinitely suspends his credential. In 2016 Smith pleaded guilty to a federal charge of conspiracy to launder money.
Skagit County
In August 2016 the Nursing Commission indefinitely suspended the registered nurse credential of Ambrosia Cyan Snow (RN60297094), who didn’t comply with a requirement to participate in a substance abuse monitoring program.
Snohomish County
In August 2016 the Pharmacy Commission entered an agreement with pharmacy assistant Brande L. Schoolcraft (VB60405271) that suspends her credential for at least two years. Schoolcraft took controlled substances and merchandise from the pharmacy where she worked.
Spokane County
In August 2016 the Nursing Commission indefinitely suspended the registered nurse credential of Lea Kristine Whitcher (RN00120104), who didn’t comply with a substance abuse monitoring program.
Walla Walla County
In August 2016 the secretary of health indefinitely suspended the certified nursing assistant credential of Martin Segovia (NC60111459). After Segovia left a vulnerable adult unattended in 2015, the state Department of Social and Health Services determined he had neglected a vulnerable adult. He can’t be employed in caring for or having unsupervised access to vulnerable adults.
Out of State
Idaho: In July 2016 the Nursing Commission indefinitely suspended the registered nurse credential of Yvonne Kaye Walters (RN00066216). The Idaho State Board of Nursing revoked her license to practice nursing in that state.
Tennessee: In August 2016 the Nursing Commission entered an agreement with registered nurse and advanced registered nurse practitioner Rachel Baird Carlton (RN60555170, AP60555171) under which she surrendered her credentials. Carlton surrendered her West Virginia nursing credentials in 2015 for writing prescriptions without authority.
Texas: In August 2016 the Nursing Commission indefinitely suspended the registered nurse credential of Betty Louise Taylor (RN60255167), who didn’t comply with a requirement to submit performance evaluation reports.
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.
The Department of Health website (doh.wa.gov) is your source for a healthy dose of information. Also, find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
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