For immediate release: September 19, 2017 (17-135)
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.
Clark County
In September 2017 the Dental Commission indefinitely suspended the dental assistant credential of Patricia M. Nastasia (D160102351), who didn’t reimburse the commission for $1,000 in costs as mandated in a 2014 stipulation.
King County
In August 2017 the secretary of health indefinitely suspended the certified medical assistant credential of Hannah L. Rochelle (CM60532584). Rochelle, who used heroin before her scheduled shift at the facility where she worked, admitted using heroin and having a substance abuse problem for the past 10 years.
In September 2017 the Dental Commission suspended the dentist credential of John Lui (DE00007424) for six months. In 2016 Lui was convicted of third-degree assault, patronizing a prostitute, and second-degree criminal trespass.
Skagit County
In September 2017 the chemical dependency professional program indefinitely suspended the chemical dependency professional trainee credential of Michael Kelly Terpening (CO60719117), who didn’t comply with a requirement to enter a substance abuse monitoring program.
Spokane County
In August 2017 the Nursing Assistant Program suspended the certified nursing assistant credential of Alana L. Kapelac (NC60404895) for at least three years. Kapelac, who charged more than $3,000 on a vulnerable adult’s credit card without permission, admitted being in treatment for a substance abuse problem.
In September 2017 the Psychology Board charged psychologist Theodore G. Sneed (PY60516246) with unprofessional conduct and immediately suspended his credential. In 2015 Sneed surrendered his California psychologist license. In 2017 his California educational psychologist license was revoked.
Out of State
California: In September 2017 the Dental Commission entered an agreement with dentist Erin Nicole Erickson (DE60417754) that suspends her credential for at least five years. Erickson diverted controlled substances for her own use.
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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