For immediate release: December 20, 2006 (06-209)

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

OLYMPIA ¾ The Washington State Department of Health has taken disciplinary actions or withdrawn charges against health care providers in our state.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 November 2006 the Nursing Commission suspended the license of registered nurse Tamara Thurlow (RN00107349). She failed to comply with the terms of a prior order.

In November 2006 the Nursing Assistant Program charged Terri L. Simpson, an applicant to practice as a nursing assistant (CA00046059), with unprofessional conduct. She was allegedly arrested for theft.

In November 2006 the Medical Commission reinstated the license of Patrick Chau to practice as a physician (MD00030053). His license is placed on probation for two years and he must follow requirements. Chau’s treatment of several patients with thyroid medication and stimulants fell below standard of care. In May 2006 Chau’s license was immediately suspended pending a hearing.

In November 2006 the Registered Counselor Program granted the application of John D. Meade to practice as a registered counselor (CA00008030). His registration is placed on probation for five years and he must comply with terms and conditions. Meade was convicted of vehicular homicide.

In November 2006 the Registered Counselor Program granted the application of Alan D. Merrill to practice as a registered counselor (CA00008345). His credential is placed on probation for four years and he must comply with terms and conditions. Merrill was convicted of three counts of theft.

In November 2006 the Dental Commission entered an Agreed Order with dentist Judith C. Ris (DE00007055). She is reprimanded and must comply with terms and conditions. Ris provided substandard care and maintained inadequate records in the course of treating a patient.

In November 2006 the Nursing Assistant Program denied the application of Kenneth P. Bray to practice as a nursing assistant (CA00045029). He may not reapply for five years. Bray was convicted of driving under the influence and assault.

In November 2006 the Denturist Program charged denturist Roy J. Clark (DN00000255) with unprofessional conduct. His place of practice allegedly failed an infection control inspection.

In November 2006 the Psychology Board placed the license of psychologist Stephen J. Cummings on probation for two years (PY00000843). He must comply with terms and conditions. Cummings was convicted of assault domestic violence.

In November 2006 the Physical Therapy Board granted the application of Joseph W. Foecking to practice as a physical therapist (CA00004566). He complied with the terms and conditions of a prior order.

In November 2006 the Pharmacy Board charged pharmacist Donna F. Foubare (PH00011657) with unprofessional conduct. She allegedly failed to comply with a prior order.

In November 2006 the Hearing and Speech Board charged Cynthia L. McGrath, a speech language pathologist (LL00001313), with unprofessional conduct. Allegations against her include having a personal relationship with a client.

In November 2006 the Nursing Assistant Program granted the application of Charita R. Schiele to reactivate her nursing assistant certification (NC10040050). Her credential is placed on probation for 24 months and she must comply with terms and conditions. She was found guilty of attempted theft.

In November 2006 the Physical Therapy Board entered an Agreed Order with physical therapist Cathy L. Hayes (PT00006007). She previously suspended after testing positive for controlled substances. Her license is no longer suspended and she agrees to comply with terms and conditions. Hayes is also known as Cathy L. Marselle.

In November 2006 the Nursing Assistant Program charged nursing assistant Justin K. Sorrick (NA00185195) with unprofessional conduct. He allegedly failed to comply with terms and conditions against his credential.

In November 2006 the Health Care Assistant Program charged Richard Torres, an applicant to practice as a health care assistant (CA00013530), with unprofessional conduct. He was convicted of several crimes, including assault, reckless endangerment and resisting arrest.

In November 2006 the Pharmacy Board charged Rebecca G. Turk, a pharmacy technician (VA00040637), with unprofessional conduct. She allegedly diverted controlled substances from her workplace for her personal use. She was convicted of theft.

In November 2006 the Unlicensed Practice Program amended a Final Order against Donald Brandt. In February 2006, he was ordered to cease and desist from engaging in the practice of health care without obtaining an appropriate license. He was also fined $150,000. This order is amended to suspend all except $12,500 of the fine.

In November 2006 the Pharmacy Board charged pharmacist Christopher P. Zeh (PH00019050) with unprofessional conduct. He allegedly diverted various drugs from his workplace for his use.

In November 2006 the Nursing Assistant Program charged nursing assistant Deborah J. Johnston (NC10077755) with unprofessional conduct. She was convicted of theft, driving while under the influence and possessing a controlled substance. Deborah J. Johnston is also known as Deborah J. Hartley.

In November 2006 the Registered Counselor Program charged registered counselor Lynne M. Zimmer (RC00038865) with unprofessional conduct. She was convicted of identity theft and forgery.

In November 2006 the Medical Commission charged physician Lila M. Stageberg (MD00028147) with unprofessional conduct. She allegedly failed to comply with a prior order.

California: In November 2006 the Acupuncture Program charged Robert L. Moore, an acupuncturist with an expired license in Washington (AC00000205), with unprofessional conduct. He pled guilty to drug conspiracy in Alaska and is incarcerated in California.

California: In November 2006 the Nursing Assistant Program charged John Philpot, a nursing assistant licensed in Washington (NC10078588), with unprofessional conduct. He was convicted of possession and wrongful distribution of methamphetamine.

California: In November 2007 the Department of Health withdrew the statement of charges against Michelle T. Washington, an applicant to practice as a respiratory care practitioner in Washington (CA00002001).

Massachusetts: In November 2006 the Pharmacy Board charged Heidi L. Lepak, a pharmacist credentialed in Washington (PH00022062), with unprofessional conduct. Allegations against her include diverting controlled substances and stealing more than $7,500 worth of narcotics from her workplace.

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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