For immediate release: November 16, 2006 (06-183)

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

OLYMPIA • The Washington State Department of Health has taken disciplinary actions or withdrawn charges against health care providers in our state.

The department» s Health Professions Quality Assurance Office works with boards, commissions, and advisory committees to set licensing standards for 57 health care professions (e.g., medical doctors, nurses, counselors).

Information about health care providers is on the agency Web site. Click on "Provider Credential Search" on the left hand side of the home page (www.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.

In October 2006 the Nursing Assistant Program reinstated the certification of Steve M. Machenheimer to practice as a nursing assistant (NC10050959).

In October 2006 the Nursing Assistant Program reinstated the certification of Victoria L. McDonald to practice as a nursing assistant (NC10058404).

In October 2006 the Medical Commission withdrew a statement of charges against physician Justinia Delos Santos (MD00012733).

In October 2006 the Nursing Assistant Program amended a statement of charges against Fatma M. Ahmed, a nursing assistant (NA00153927). Ahmed is charged with unprofessional conduct for criminal convictions of attempted theft, theft and criminal trespass.

In September 2006 the Licensed Social Worker Counselor Program withdrew a statement of charges against social worker Donna J. Bevan-Lee (LW00004898).

In October 2006 the Nursing Commission charged Thomas J. Cushing, a licensed practical nurse (LP00042643), with unprofessional conduct. He was convicted of indecent liberties.

In October 2006 the Nursing Commission charged Mimi O. Etherington, a licensed practical nurse (LP00048872), with unprofessional conduct. She allegedly failed to comply with prior terms and conditions against her license.

In October 2006 the Chemical Dependency Professional Program, Massage Program and Registered Counselor Program charged Jeffrey C. Padgett, a chemical dependency professional, massage practitioner and registered counselor (CP00003648, MA00017172, RC00033640), with unprofessional conduct. He allegedly crossed professional boundaries with a client.

In October 2006 the Nursing Assistant Program charged nursing assistant Haley Dawn Podolske (NC10088041) with unprofessional conduct. She allegedly stole a diamond ring from a patient.

In October 2006 the Licensed Social Worker Program charged social worker Ruth Van De Carr (LW00004938) with unprofessional conduct. Allegations against her include having a personal relationship with a client.

In October 2006 the Denturist Program charged denturist Stanley Leroy White (DN00000140) with unprofessional conduct. The Unlicensed Practice Program also issued a Notice of Intent to issue a Cease and Desist Order. White allegedly failed to comply with terms and conditions of a prior suspension and provided services to patients when his license was suspended.

In October 2006 the Nursing Commission charged registered nurse Julie Totzek-Denison (RN00052243) with unprofessional conduct. She allegedly is unable to practice nursing with a reasonable degree of skill and safety.

In October 2006 the Registered Counselor Program modified an Agreed Order with Donal M. Kavanaugh, a registered counselor (RC00029625), to include allowing more time for him to complete continuing education courses. Kavanaugh entered into an Agreed Order with the program in 2004.

In October 2006 the Nursing Assistant Program denied the application of Danielle T. Nguyen to practice as a nursing assistant (CA00046368). She may not reapply for five years. In 2005, Nguyen» s pharmacy technician credential was placed on probation for two years.

In October 2006 the Nursing Assistant Program denied the application of Joyce Ann Pope to reactivate her expired nursing assistant registration (NA00038981). She may not reapply for 10 years. Pope was found guilty of custodial assault.

In October 2006 the Nursing Assistant Program charged nursing assistant Dannyell R. Miller (NA00071876) with unprofessional conduct. Allegations against her include taking a personal check and a veteran» s administration reimbursement check from a patient. Dannyell R. Miller is also known as Dannyell R. Derrick.

In October 2006 the Nursing Assistant Program denied the application of Larry H. Hendricks to practice as a nursing assistant (CA00046295). He may not reapply for two years. Hendricks had restrictions placed on his registered counselor credential.

In October 2006 the Massage Program amended a Final Order against Dale A. Neel, licensed to practice massage (MA00011286). His license is revoked for 10 years for sexual misconduct. Neels» s license was immediately suspended in March 2006 for this misconduct.

In October 2006 the Registered Counselor Program charged Virginia Russell, an applicant to practice as a registered counselor (CA00007310), with unprofessional conduct. She allegedly failed to comply with terms and conditions of a prior order.

In October 2006 the Nursing Assistant Program charged nursing assistant Thomas Willett (NC10011353) with unprofessional conduct. He allegedly had sexual contact with a patient.

In October 2006 the Chemical Dependency Professional Program withdrew a statement of charges against Gregory G. Gerst, a chemical dependency professional (CP00003675).

In October 2006 the Nursing Assistant Program denied the application of Carrie L. Wesolek to practice as a nursing assistant (CA00045053). She may not reapply for five years. Wesolek was convicted of malicious mischief.

In October 2006 the Registered Counselor Program charged registered counselor Richard W. Bono (RC00030793) with unprofessional conduct. Allegations against him include crossing professional boundaries with a client and providing service when his registration was expired. Richard W. Bono is also known as Jessey Pagano and Sara Pagano.

In October 2006 the Nursing Commission reinstated the license of Clarice Kornelis to practice as a registered nurse (RN00052323).

In September 2006 the Nursing Commission reinstated the license of Margaret L. Pratt to practice as a registered nurse (RN00107044).

In October 2006 the Nursing Assistant Program granted the application of Jana M. Travenshek to practice as a nursing assistant (CA00043183). Her registration is placed on probation for one year and she must comply with terms and conditions. Travenshek was convicted of theft.

California: In October 2006 the Medical Commission entered a Final Order with Craig E. Swanson, a physician licensed in Washington (MD00027758). His license to practice medicine will remain suspended, but the suspension will be stayed if he complies with terms and conditions. In March 2006, Swanson» s license to practice medicine in California was revoked by the Medical Board of California and he was convicted of illegal remuneration.

California: In October 2006 the Respiratory Care Practitioner Program charged Michelle T. Washington, an applicant to practice as a respiratory care practitioner in Washington (CA00002001), with unprofessional conduct. She was convicted of possessing stolen property, assault and theft. Her application was also denied in California.

Kentucky: In October 2006 the Nursing Commission reinstated the license of Maureen Fogarty to practice as a registered nurse in Washington (RN00123259).

Utah: In October 2006 the Medical Commission charged Jeffery A. Clark, a physician licensed in Washington (MD00038159), with unprofessional conduct. He has had disciplinary action taken against his license to practice medicine in Utah.

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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