For immediate release: September 29, 2016 (16-112)
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.
Benton County
In July 2016 the Nursing Assistant Program entered an agreement with certified nursing assistant Melissa D. McClaning (NC10084756) that suspends her credential for at least two years. McClaning accepted a loan of about $800 from a client at an assisted living facility where she worked.
Chelan County
In July 2016 the Nursing Commission suspended the registered nurse credential of Andrea L. Watson (RN00173703), who didn’t comply with a substance abuse monitoring contract.
King County
In July 2016 the secretary of health indefinitely suspended the chemical dependency professional trainee and agency-affiliated counselor credentials of Keith R. Sellers (CO60147339, CG60490550). Sellers didn’t comply with a substance abuse monitoring contract.
In July 2016 the secretary of health indefinitely suspended the chemical dependency professional trainee credential of David Darle McKinlay Jr. (CO60530555), who tested positive for methamphetamine while at work.
In July 2016 the Nursing Commission indefinitely suspended the registered nurse credential of Dale A. Snoke (RN60551053), who didn’t respond to a statement of charges after his Texas nursing license was restricted.
In July 2016 the Nursing Assistant Program entered an agreement with registered nursing assistant Leticia B. Benavente (NA60288592) under which she surrendered her credential. Benavente yanked dentures from a resident’s mouth who lived at the adult family home where she worked. The state Department of Social and Health Services found that Benavente abused a vulnerable adult and can’t be employed in caring for or having unsupervised access to vulnerable adults.
Lewis County
In June 2016 the Pharmacy Commission suspended the pharmacy technician credential of Jamie M. Stemkoski (VA00049312) for two years. Stemkoski admitted diverting medication from the pharmacy where she worked.
Pacific County
In July 2016 the secretary of health indefinitely suspended the registered nursing assistant credential of Nicole Marie Leone (NA60218982). Leone admitted taking narcotics intended for a patient.
Pierce County
In July 2016 the Nursing Commission charged registered nurse Victoria Lee Funk, also known as Victoria Lee Sulik (RN60176992), with unprofessional conduct and immediately suspended her credential. In 2016 the Arizona State Board of Nursing revoked Funk’s license to practice nursing in that state.
In July 2016 the Nursing Assistant Program charged certified nursing assistant Gladys C. Challeen (NC10077229) with unprofessional conduct and immediately suspended her credential. While working in a nursing home, Challeen raised her voice and berated a vulnerable adult who asked to use a bedpan, upsetting and embarrassing the person. The state Department of Social and Health Services will not allow Challeen to be employed in caring for or having unsupervised access to vulnerable adults.
In July 2016 the Massage Program entered an agreement with massage practitioner Sarah Mernone (MA00017807) that indefinitely suspends her credential. Mernone didn’t supply documentation of having completed required continuing education.
In July 2016 the Agency-Affiliated Counselor Program entered an agreement with agency-affiliated counselor Ramona Cole (CG60299337) that suspends her credential for at least three years. Cole had sexual contact with a client.
In June 2016 the Counselor Program indefinitely suspended the chemical dependency professional, marriage and family therapist associate, and marriage and family therapist credentials of Jennifer Armstrong Ferguson (CP00005222, MG60171687, LF60079410). Ferguson didn’t comply with a 2014 agreement requiring her to file employer reports, and pay a $3,000 fine.
In April 2016 the Agency-Affiliated Counselor Program entered an agreement with agency-affiliated counselor Susan G. Lucich (CG60153962) under which she surrendered her credential. Lucich developed a relationship outside of the therapeutic setting with a teenage client who moved into her home. The client attempted suicide after Lucich told the client to move out.
In July 2016 the Nursing Commission indefinitely suspended the registered nurse credential of Tara L. Munford (RN60140309), who didn’t comply with a 2015 agreement requiring her to submit employer reports.
In July 2016 the secretary of health suspended the registered nursing assistant credential of Frederick Brown (NA00121316) for at least two years. In 2016 Brown was charged with fourth-degree assault in connection with an incident involving a patient at Western State Hospital, where Brown worked.
Snohomish County
In July 2016 the Nursing Commission indefinitely suspended the licensed practical nurse credential of Daniel W. Cook (LP60117443), who didn’t respond to an order to undergo a mental examination.
Thurston County
In July 2016 the secretary of health indefinitely suspended the certified nursing assistant credential of Samuel C. Eggert (NC60579746). In 2015 Eggert entered a diversion agreement requiring him to undergo drug and alcohol abuse evaluation and treatment. He didn’t respond to a Department of Health inquiry.
Walla Walla County
In July 2016 the Nursing Assistant Program charged certified nursing assistant Martin Segovia (NC60111459) with unprofessional conduct and immediately suspended his credential. Segovia left a vulnerable adult unattended in a vehicle. The person wasn’t to be left unattended because of a history of self-harming and wandering. The state Department of Social and Health Services will not allow Segovia to be employed in caring for or having unsupervised access to vulnerable adults.
Yakima County
In July 2016 the secretary of health indefinitely suspended the certified nursing assistant credential of Maurice M. Yates (NC60617909). Yates tore off a vulnerable adult’s nails with his fingers instead of using nail clippers. He pulled off one entire nail. The state Department of Social and Health Services found that Yates abused a vulnerable adult. He can’t be employed in caring for and having unsupervised access to vulnerable adults.
Out of State
Idaho: In July 2016 the Nursing Commission charged registered nurse Yvonne Kaye Walters (RN00066216), with unprofessional conduct and immediately suspended her credential. In 2016 the Idaho State Board of Nursing revoked her license to practice nursing in that state.
Idaho: In July 2016 the Nursing Commission indefinitely suspended the licensed practical nurse credential of Karen A. Kimbley (LP00059763), who tested positive for narcotics for which she lacked prescriptions.
Idaho: In July 2016 the Nursing Commission indefinitely suspended the registered nurse credential of Kimberly D. DeMeerleer (RN60274352), who didn’t comply with a substance abuse monitoring contract.
Idaho: In July 2016 the Nursing Commission indefinitely suspended the registered nurse credential of Cheryl L. Lane (RN00133057), who didn’t provide proof of having completed required coursework.
New York: In July 2016 the Nursing Commission charged registered nurse Matthew David Mendelow (RN60021599), with unprofessional conduct and immediately suspended his credential. In 2016 Mendelow surrendered his New York nursing license after admitting narcotics abuse.
Oregon: In July 2016 the Dental Commission indefinitely suspended the dental assistant credential of Ashland Gribner (D160324294). Gribner practiced for nearly a year with an expired license.
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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