For immediate release: May 16, 2005 (05-057)

Contact:
Media inquiries: Deanna Whitman, Communications Office (360) 236-4022
Public inquiries: Health Professions Customer Service (360) 236-4700

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Quality Assurance Office (HPQA) of the Washington State Department of Health has taken disciplinary actions or has withdrawn charges against health care providers in the state. The information on the cases reported in this news release represents the status of each item on the date the news release was issued.

HPQA is responsible for protecting and enhancing the health of the people of Washington 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.

In April 2005 the Chiropractic Commission charged chiropractor David W. Chan (CH00001534) with unprofessional conduct. Allegations against him include touching a patient’s jaw in a way that aggravated the patient’s prior jaw conditions and failing to keep adequate records.

In April 2005 the Nursing Assistant Program charged nursing assistant Tejay Marie Parsons (NA00134604) with unprofessional conduct. She allegedly neglected patients by sleeping during her shift.

In April 2005 the Health Care Assistant Program charged Kay B. Stone, an applicant to practice as a health care assistant (CA00009116), with unprofessional conduct. She allegedly failed to disclose she voluntarily surrendered her license to practice as a licensed practical nurse in 1996.

In April 2005 the Veterinary Board charged veterinarian Erich Bargar (VT00006850) with unprofessional conduct. Allegations against him include allowing an unregistered technician and/or assistant to perform procedures the technician was not licensed to perform. He also allegedly failed to keep appropriate documentation and failed to keep controlled substances in a locked cabinet.

In April 2005 the Nursing Commission reinstated the license of Jennifer Green to practice as a registered nurse (RN00111529).

In April 2005 the Massage Program charged Daniel L. Beck, licensed massage practitioner (MA00016568), with unprofessional conduct. Beck allegedly touched patients’ vaginal areas and breasts and was charged with one count of rape and five counts of indecent liberties.

In April 2005 the Nursing Commission reinstated the license of Kathy Densmore to practice as a licensed practical nurse (LP00016460).

In April 2005 the Nursing Commission charged registered nurse Jessica B. Nichols (RN00153621) with unprofessional conduct. She allegedly failed to cooperate with the commission by not responding to an investigator’s inquiry.

In April 2005 the Massage Program modified an Agreed Order against Thomas Luke Benson, licensed to practice massage (MA00004400). He has an extended deadline for completing an education requirement. Benson’s license was placed on a stayed suspension for five years in 2003.

In April 2005 the Podiatric Medical Board charged John H. Brunsman, doctor of podiatric medicine (PO00000246), with unprofessional conduct. Allegations against him include failing to take x-rays when needed, failing to discuss problems with a patient and failing to maintain legible records.

In April 2005 the Nursing Commission amended a statement of charges against registered nurse Byron L. Caldwell (RN00138529). He is being charged with unprofessional conduct for allegedly diverting controlled substances from his workplaces.

In April 2005 the Unlicensed Practice Program issued a Notice of Intent to issue a Cease and Desist Order against Marilyn Gelnette. Gelnette allegedly performed laser hair removal treatment on patients and gave medical advice regarding the procedure to patients. She is not licensed to practice any health care profession.

In April 2005 the Registered Counselor Program reinstated the registration of Ellen E. Hendrick to practice as a registered counselor (RC00018632). Her registration is placed on a stayed suspension and she must comply with terms and conditions.

In April 2005 the Examining Board of Psychology charged psychologist Steven R. Kubacki (PY00002316) with unprofessional conduct. Allegations against him include having a personal and sexual relationship with a client.

In April 2005 the Health Care Assistant Program charged health care assistant David L. Cooper (HC00143483) with unprofessional conduct. He allegedly failed to comply with the terms and conditions of a prior order.

In April 2005 the Unlicensed Practice Program issued a Notice of Intent to issue a Cease and Desist Order against Eleanor Dubey. She allegedly provided diagnosis and treatment to patients and advertised herself as a doctor. She has no valid health care credential in Washington.

In April 2005 the Dental Commission entered an Agreed Order with dentist Richard Guzha (DE00008246). He agrees to comply with terms and conditions including completing continuing education and paying a $5,000 fine. Guzha failed to keep appropriate documentation of a patient’s treatment.

In April 2005 the Health Care Assistant Program charged health care assistant Lorraine K. Staniford (HC00143484) with unprofessional conduct. She allegedly failed to comply with the terms and conditions of a prior order.

In April 2005 the Nursing Assistant and Registered Counselor Programs charged Ian S. Colella, a nursing assistant and registered counselor (NA00143263, RC00049134), with unprofessional conduct. Allegations against him include presenting forged prescriptions to pharmacies for controlled substances for himself. Colella allegedly did not have physician permission to authorize these prescriptions.

In April 2005 the Nursing Commission charged Guylin Johnston, a licensed practical nurse (LP00037912), with unprofessional conduct. Allegations against him include having sexual contact with a patient and being convicted of assault and malicious mischief.

In April 2005 the Registered Counselor and Mental Health Counselor Programs charged Alonda L. Moran, a registered counselor and licensed mental health counselor (RC00012699, LH00006771), with unprofessional conduct. Moran allegedly failed to comply with the terms and conditions of a prior order.

In April 2005 the Nursing Commission modified an Agreed Order against registered nurse Tara Tiderington (RN00106985). Her license will remain on probation for one year and she agrees comply with terms and conditions.

In April 2005 the Nursing Assistant Program charged Tasha S. Woods, an applicant to practice as a nursing assistant (CA00039243), with unprofessional conduct. She was allegedly convicted of attempted making or uttering a forged prescription and concealed the conviction on her application.

(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.)

California: In April 2005 the Dental Commission placed the license of Alireza Y. Nazeri, a dentist licensed in Washington (DE00006673), on a stayed suspension for five years, but he may not practice in Washington until the commission authorizes. Nazeri failed to comply with the terms and conditions of a prior order.

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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