|
|
|
| You are here: DOH Home » News Releases Home » 04-097 |
For immediate release: August 18, 2004 (04-097)
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Quality Assurance Office (HPQA) of the Washington State Department of Health has taken disciplinary actions or has withdrawn charges against health care providers in the state.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/hpqa1/Application/Credential_Search/profile.asp ). 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.
Benton County
In July 2004 the Nursing Assistant Program granted the reactivation of
Charie E. Vargas-White’s certification to practice as a nursing assistant
(NC10063999). Her certification will be placed on probation for one year. She
must submit performance evaluation and personal progress reports to the program.
She pled guilty to possessing a controlled substance.
Chelan County
In July 2004 the Medical Commission withdrew a statement of charges against
physician Johnathan E. Dominguez (MD00037649).
In July 2004 the X-Ray Technician Program and the Health Care Assistant Program charged Roxy M. Richards, an x-ray technician and health care assistant (XT00001074, HC00141519), with unprofessional conduct. Richards allegedly called in prescriptions for a relative without a doctor’s order.
Clallam County
In July 2004 the Counselor Programs charged Gary C. Wilgocki, an
applicant to practice as a registered counselor (CA00006600), with
unprofessional conduct. He was allegedly convicted of driving under the
influence.
Clark County
In July 2004 the Nursing Commission charged registered nurse Sara J.
Smith (RN00139946) with unprofessional conduct. She allegedly diverted
controlled substances from her workplace.
In July 2004 the Counselor Programs charged Sandra A. Thompson (McKinney), an applicant to practice as a registered counselor (CA00006906), with unprofessional conduct. She was allegedly convicted of unlawfully possessing a controlled substance, forgery and theft. In August 2004 the program granted her a registration to practice as a counselor. Thompson must not engage in solo practice and must pay a $2,000 fine ($1,000 is suspended).
Douglas County
In July 2004 the Dental Commission amended a statement of charges against
dentist Thomas K. Michael (DE00005736). He is being charged with
unprofessional conduct for allegedly providing services to patients that fell
below the standard of care and fraudulent billing.
King County
In July 2004 the Nursing Assistant Program charged Matthew Bergrud,
an applicant to practice as a nursing assistant (CA00037591), with
unprofessional conduct. In June 2003 his license to practice as a nurse aid in
Alaska was suspended.
In July 2004 the Counselor Programs charged Terrance O. Jones, an applicant to practice as a registered counselor (CA00006567). Jones allegedly has several criminal convictions, including possessing cocaine, delivering heroin and theft.
In July 2004 the Nursing Commission charged registered nurse Warren McPherson (RN00074841) with unprofessional conduct. McPherson allegedly failed to follow physicians’ orders.
In July 2004 the Nursing Assistant Program charged Larita A. Nunnery, a nursing assistant (NC10066313), with unprofessional conduct. Nunnery allegedly made several long distance calls from a patient’s phone.
In July 2004 the Dental Commission reprimanded dentist H. Melvin Olson (DE00003488). Olson must pay a $15,000 fine and complete 14 hours of training. Olson practiced dentistry without a valid license and provided care that fell below the acceptable standard.
In July 2004 the Counselor Programs denied the application of Albert Pool to practice as a registered counselor (CA00006018). He may not reapply for four years. Pool criminal convictions include conspiracy to deliver cocaine, attempted possession of cocaine and attempted theft.
In July 2004 the Medical Commission charged physician William J. Spann (MD00032058) with unprofessional conduct. Spann allegedly failed to cooperate with a request from the commission.
Kitsap County
In July 2004 the Nursing Assistant Program granted the application of
George Toombs to practice as a nursing assistant (CA00036399). His
registration is placed on probation until he submits four employer reports.
Toombs was convicted of assault.
Kittitas County
In July 2004 the Nursing Assistant Program reinstated the registration of
Katrina Lee Willard to practice as a nursing assistant (NA00151519). Katrina
Lee Willard is also known as Laura L. Elson, Shanna L. Woods, Kathrina L.
Willard, Trina L. Williard, Trinal Willard, Katrina Walker, Sheila M. Garcia,
Sonia M. Garcia.
Pierce County
In July 2004 the Nursing commission withdrew a statement of charges against
Susan Duffield McGrady, a licensed practical nurse (LP00023883).
In July 2004 the Counselor Programs charged Larry H. Hendricks, an applicant to practice as a counselor (CA00006468), with unprofessional conduct. He was allegedly convicted of attempted possession of cocaine.
In July 2004 the Nursing Assistant Program charged John M. Ngugi, a nursing assistant (NC10077984), with unprofessional conduct. He allegedly placed a pillow over a patient’s face.
In July 2004 the Nursing Assistant Program charged Linda Thanh Nguyen, an applicant to practice as a nursing assistant (CA00037462), with unprofessional conduct. Criminal convictions against Nguyen include assault, obstructing a law officer and unlawfully possessing a controlled substance.
In July 2004 the Nursing Assistant Program charged nursing assistant Wemba-Koy Okonda (NA00130695) with unprofessional conduct. She pled guilty to malicious mischief.
Snohomish County
In July 2004 the Medical Commission charged physician Stephen R. Yarnall
(MD00008510) with unprofessional conduct. Yarnall allegedly failed to practice
adequate control of narcotics dispensed or prescribed from his office.
Spokane County
In July 2004 the Counselor Programs charged Elizabeth J. St. Clare, a
chemical dependency practitioner (CP00002659), with unprofessional conduct.
Allegations against her include failing to properly supervise auxiliary staff.
Thurston County
In July 2004 the Pharmacy Board charged Susan Beggs, a pharmacy
technician (VA00042942), with unprofessional conduct. Beggs allegedly diverted
controlled substances and legend drugs from her workplace.
In July 2004 the Pharmacy Board charged Katherine A. Warner, a pharmacy technician (VA00042037), with unprofessional conduct. Warner allegedly refilled a patient’s prescription without authorization from the prescribing physician. She then allegedly purchased the prescription and delivered it to the patient.
Whatcom County
In August 2004 the Nursing Assistant Program reinstated the credential of
Kenna L. Atwood to practice as a nursing assistant (NC10004118).
In July 2004 the Dental Commission withdrew a statement of charges against dentist Darryl W.S. Chen (DE00006731).
In July 2004 the Pharmacy Board charged Monica Lasater, a pharmacy technician (VA00040887), with unprofessional conduct. Lasater allegedly diverted controlled substances and legend drugs from her workplace.
Yakima County
In July 2004 the Nursing Assistant Program charged Celia Galindo, an
applicant to practice as a nursing assistant (CA00036629), with unprofessional
conduct. Galindo pled guilty to theft and criminal trespass.
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.
###
DOH Home | Access Washington | Privacy Notice | Disclaimer/Copyright Information
 |
Contact Information for the Department of Health Last
Update :
12/18/2006 11:07 AM
|