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For immediate release: July 28, 2004 (04-087)
Contact:
Deanna Whitman,
Communications Office (360) 236-4022
State disciplines health care providers
OLYMPIA ¾ The Health Professions Quality Assurance Office (HPQA) of the Washington State Department of Health has taken disciplinary actions or has withdrawn charges against health care providers in the state.
HPQA is responsible for protecting and enhancing the health of the people of
Washington State by assuring access to safe, competent health care providers.
HPQA personnel work in partnership with 12 boards, four commissions, and nine
advisory committees to set licensing standards for 55 health care professions
(e.g., medical doctors, nurses, counselors).
Information on Washington’s health care providers is now available online at our new Provider Credential Search Web site ( https://fortress.wa.gov/doh/providercredentialsearch/ ). 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 HPQA, 360-236-4700. Consumers who think a health care provider acted unprofessionally are also encouraged to call and report their complaint.
There is currently an opening on the Orthotics and Prosthetics Advisory Committee for a licensed physician specializing in orthopedic medicine or surgery or physiatry. Please contact 360-236-4947 for information.
Clallam County
In June 2004 the Nursing Assistant Program charged nursing assistant Mona P.
Hester (NC10072821) with unprofessional conduct. Hester allegedly scratched
and slapped a patient on the face.
Clark County
In June 2004 the Nursing Commission reinstated the license of Suzanne Spanier
to practice as a registered nurse (RN00117499).
Grant County
In June 2004 the Nursing Assistant Program charged Sarah McGiboney, an
applicant to practice as a nursing assistant (CA00037088), with unprofessional
conduct. She allegedly pled guilty to theft.
In June 2004 the Pharmacy Board charged pharmacist Lucian H. Moore Jr. (PH00013725) with unprofessional conduct. Allegations against Moore include diverting controlled substances from his workplace, fraudulently creating and/or filling prescriptions for controlled substances for himself and/or a family member and failing to comply with a prior order.
King County
In June 2004 the Nursing Assistant Program charged Carrie Crane, an
applicant to practice as a nursing assistant (CA00036878), with unprofessional
conduct. Crane allegedly pled guilty to attempted forgery.
In June 2004 the Pharmacy Board granted the application of Mark F. Giffin to practice as a pharmacy technician (CA00050892). His license will be placed on probation for five years. Giffin was convicted of driving under the influence and possessing a controlled substance.
In June 2004 the Counselor Programs charged Theresa A. Jordan, a registered counselor (RC00044262), with unprofessional conduct. Jordan allegedly failed to comply with the terms and conditions of a prior order and failed to cooperate with the disciplining authority during an investigation.
In June 2004 the Chemical Dependency Professional Program and the Counselor Programs amended a statement of charges against Jay R. Parker, a chemical dependency professional and registered counselor (CP00002951, RC00031570). He is being charged with unprofessional conduct for allegedly breaching clients’ confidentiality and violating professional boundaries with clients.
In June 2004 the Dental Commission charged dentist Thomas S. Safley (DE00005482) with unprofessional conduct. He allegedly provided treatment to a patient that failed to meet the generally accepted standard of care.
Kitsap County
In June 2004 the Nursing Commission charged registered nurse Melissa
McLauchlan (RN00094422) with unprofessional conduct. Allegations against her
include substance abuse and failing to comply with the terms and conditions of a
prior order.
In June 2004 the Nursing Assistant Program placed the certification of nursing assistant Cheryl R. Melhuish (NC10069031) on probation for one year. She must complete course work in anger management and managing difficult patients. Melhuish hit a patient on the head with her hand.
Lewis County
In June 2004 the Nursing Assistant Program charged nursing assistant Jennifer
K. Arthur (NA00108265) with unprofessional conduct. Arthur allegedly pled
guilty to possessing methamphetamine. -more-
Lincoln County
In June 2004 the Nursing Assistant Program denied the application of Jeri L.
Minaker to practice as a nursing assistant (CA00036150). She may not reapply
for five years. Minaker was convicted of theft.
Pierce County
In June 2004 the Nursing Assistant Program granted the petition of Debi
Begalla, a nursing assistant (NC10047876), for reconsideration and vacated a
Final Order against her.
In June 2004 the Counselor Programs charged registered counselor Shirley B. Kendall (RC00042802) with unprofessional conduct. Kendall was allegedly convicted of driving with a suspended license and driving under the influence.
In June 2004 the Counselor Programs denied the application of Matthew G. Mercer to practice as a registered counselor (CA00006034). He may not reapply for 10 years. Mercer is a registered sex offender and has been convicted for indecent exposure and deviate sexual conduct.
In June 2004 the Counselor Programs granted the application of James J. Mulhern to practice as a registered counselor (CA00006562) but placed his registration on probation for three years. He may not engage in solo practice, must submit reports and pay a $1,000 fine. Mulhern was convicted of arson.
Skagit County
In June 2004 the Nursing Assistant Program charged Lacey Nemitz, a
nursing assistant (NA00159607), with unprofessional conduct. Nemitz allegedly
failed to show up to work, leaving a patient without care.
Spokane County
In June 2004 the Unlicensed Practice Program issued a Notice of Intent to issue
Cease and Desist Order against Nancy McGillen. She represented herself as
a registered nurse and performed duties with an expired license.
Whatcom County
In June 2004 the Nursing Commission charged registered nurse Tara Tiderington
(RN00106985) with unprofessional conduct. She allegedly provided laser treatment
without the supervision of a laser-trained physician.
Yakima County
In June 2004 the Nursing Assistant Program granted Barbara A. Yates a
registration to practice as a nursing assistant (CA00036627) but placed her
registration on probation for one year. She must submit quarterly declarations
to the program. Yates pled guilty to theft.
Out of State/Country
(Many health care providers hold licenses in more than one state. Department of
Health receives information each month from national groups on disciplined
health care providers. When another state’s regulatory group takes actions, the
equivalent board/commission/program in Washington files unprofessional conduct
charges against the provider’s Washington credential.)
Canada: In June 2004 the Nursing Commission charged Shannon M. Stephens, a registered nurse licensed in Washington (RN00123727), with unprofessional conduct. She allegedly diverted controlled substances from her workplace.
Iowa: In June 2004 the Nursing Commission reinstated the license of Michael Fialho to practice as a registered nurse (RN00137731).
Note to Editors: Health care providers charged with unprofessional conduct have 20 days to respond to 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.
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