For immediate release: December 29, 2017 (17-177)
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.
Clallam County
In December 2017 the secretary of health indefinitely suspended the dental hygienist credential of Beverly Michael Carbis (DH00002796). Carbis didn’t fulfill requirements to reimburse the program for $250 in costs, and to complete continuing education in law and ethics.
Kitsap County
In December 2017 the secretary of health indefinitely suspended the registered nursing assistant credential of James William Elger (NA60428407). The state Department of Social and Health Services determined that Elger mentally abused a vulnerable adult patient. He can’t be employed in caring for or having unsupervised access to vulnerable adults.
In December 2017 the secretary of health indefinitely suspended the registered nursing assistant and certified nursing assistant credentials of Lynette Chavon Harris Gordon (NA60693184, NC60698968), who provided home care services to clients while under the influence of alcohol.
Thurston County
In November 2017 the secretary of health revoked the home care aide credential of Nathan D. Gibson (HM60538958). While on duty to provide overnight care for a client, Gibson left the client’s house and got locked out. Gibson then went home without trying to contact the agency that employed him. The state Department of Social and Health Services, which determined that Gibson neglected a vulnerable adult, disqualified him from caring for vulnerable adults, juveniles, and children.
Whitman County
In December 2017 the secretary of health indefinitely suspended the certified nursing assistant credential of Kaylee Dawn McBride (NC60495213). McBride worked at a nursing home where she provided care for an elderly dementia patient whose care plan called for two people assisting in transfers. McBride continued to attempt to transfer the patient by herself after another nursing assistant was called away. The patient fell to the floor and later died.
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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