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For immediate release: October 7, 2004 (04-120)
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Quality Assurance Office (HPQA) of the Washington State Department of Health has taken disciplinary actions or has withdrawn charges against health care providers in the state.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 September 2004 the Registered Counselor Program charged Kyrin A. Gregory-Pack, an applicant to practice as a registered counselor (CA00006208), with unprofessional conduct. She was allegedly convicted of driving under the influence and did not cooperate with the investigation.
Clark County
In August 2004 the Dental Commission charged dentist Gary S. Gilbert (DE00003935) with unprofessional conduct. Gilbert allegedly provided services that failed to meet the accepted standard and kissed a patient.
In September 2004 the Pharmacy Board denied the application of Jennifer L. Larson, an applicant to practice as a pharmacy assistant (CA00054868), until she completes an ethics course. Larson was convicted of minor in possession of alcohol and denied any convictions on her application.
Island County
In September 2004 the Unlicensed Practice Program issued a Notice of Intent to issue a Cease and Desist order against Tracy Wolfe. Wolfe operated a business for teeth whitening and is not licensed in dentistry.
King County
In September 2004 the Nursing Commission charged registered nurse Susan Todd Akin (RN00081476) with unprofessional conduct. She allegedly failed to comply with the terms and conditions of a prior order. Susan Todd Akin is also known as Susan Dopko Akin.
In September 2004 the Nursing Commission charged registered nurse Estrella P. Duque (RN00113908) with unprofessional conduct. She allegedly altered a physician’s orders in regards to a patient without consulting the physician.
In September 2004 the Medical Commission charged physician Mark R. Ensminger (MD00023657) with unprofessional conduct. He allegedly touched patients inappropriately during exams.
In September 2004 the Registered Counselor Program charged registered counselor Margaret M. Metzgar (LH00007894) with unprofessional conduct. She allegedly crossed professional boundaries and engaged in a dual relationship with a client.
In September 2004 the Medical Commission charged physician Patrick T. Phan (MD00026346) with unprofessional conduct. Allegations against him include pleading guilty to assisting an individual in making materially false statements in applications for payment under Medicare and Medicaid and writing prescriptions for durable medical equipment to patients who didn’t need the equipment. Phan was allegedly sentenced to three years probation, subject to terms and conditions, fined and ordered to pay restitution.
Kitsap County
In September 2004 the Midwifery Program entered into an Agreed Order with midwife Margaret A. Thurston (MW00000208). She agrees to comply with terms and conditions including having a practice monitor and undergoing practice review. While caring for a patient, Thurston failed to contact a physician and an aid crew.
Mason County
In September 2004 the Nursing Commission charged registered nurse Michelle R. Lewis (RN00151701) with unprofessional conduct. Lewis allegedly diverted controlled substances from her workplace on several occasions.
Pacific County
In September 2004 the Pharmacy Board withdrew a statement of charges against pharmacist Sheila Weller (PH00015826).
Pierce County
In September 2004 the Registered Counselor Program granted the application of Bonnie J. Malone Chandler to practice as a registered counselor (CA00006746), subject to her compliance with terms and conditions. She must not engage in the solo practice as a counselor and must pay a $3,000 fine ($2,000 is suspended). Chandler was convicted of unlawfully possessing a controlled substance.
In September 2004 the Pharmacy Board reinstated the license of pharmacist Puey W. Chow (PH00041976).
In September 2004 the Dispensing Optician Program charged Teea M. Martin, an applicant to practice as a dispensing optician apprentice (DT10005468), with unprofessional conduct. Martin allegedly has an extensive history of criminal convictions including forgery, theft and criminal trespass.
Snohomish County
In September 2004 the Registered Counselor Program charged registered counselor Joseph L. Hascall (RC00036319) with unprofessional conduct. Hascall was allegedly convicted of violating a protective order and possessing methamphetamine.
In September 2004 the Marriage and Family Therapist Counselor Program and the Sex Offender Treatment Provider Program charged Erik L. Hopp, a marriage and family therapist and a sex offender treatment provider (AF10000073, LF00001821), with unprofessional conduct. Allegations against Hopp include failing to cooperate with the disciplining authority.
In September 2004 the Pharmacy Board placed the license of pharmacist Hanh M. Tu (PH00039828) on probation for one year. Tu refilled a patient’s prescription without examining the patient’s medication record for over utilization and/or more frequent refilling than authorized by the prescriber.
Spokane County
In September 2004 the Pharmacy Board reinstated the license of Gerald N. Mamishian to practice as a pharmacist (PH00009592).
Thurston County
In September 2004 the Veterinary Board charged veterinarian Sylvia A. Nolan (VT00003986) with unprofessional conduct. Allegations against Nolan include failing to adequately supervise a veterinary technician and failing to keep adequate documentation.
Out of State
(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.)
Colorado: In September 2004 the Medical Commission charged Reginald F. Finger, a physician licensed in Washington (MD00022002), with unprofessional conduct. Finger allegedly had disciplinary action taking against his Colorado medical license.
Oregon: In September 2004 the Unlicensed Practice Program issued a Notice of Intent to Issue a Cease and Desist Order against Philip E. Leveque, a physician licensed in Oregon. He allegedly completed and signed documents for patients in Washington when only Washington physicians may do so.
Michigan: In September 2004 the Pharmacy Board placed the registration of Sara Bellevue, a pharmacy assistant (VB00047963) on probation for two years. She must pay a $300 fine and submit periodic declarations. Bellevue unlawfully removed medications and/or store merchandise from her workplace.
Nevada: In September 2004 the Dental Commission amended a statement of charges against Richard E. Harris, a dentist licensed in Washington (DE00004501. He is being charged with unprofessional conduct for allegedly treating patients while intoxicated and practicing while his license was suspended.
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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