For immediate release: September 27, 2007 (07-162)

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

OLYMPIA ¾ The Washington State Department of Health has revoked or suspended the licenses, certifications, or registrations of health care providers in our state. The department has also immediately suspended the credentials of people who have been prohibited from practicing in other states.

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’s Web site. Click on "Provider Credential Search" on the left hand side of the Department of Health 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 August 2007 the Nursing Assistant Program suspended the credential of registered nursing assistant Jason L. Moody (NA00041361) and denied his application for certified nursing assistant. Moody was convicted of third degree malicious mischief in Grant County. He failed to report this conviction on his application as required.

In September 2007 the Secretary of Health withdrew charges against denturist Diana S. Shelby (DN00000253).

In July 2007, the Medical Commission imposed conditions on physician Stephen L. Smith (MD00019257), including taking additional training. Smith created a clinical situation that allowed him to use alternative medicine without formulating a specific diagnosis and treatment plan.

In August 2007 the Nursing Commission indefinitely suspended the credential of licensed practical nurse Jamie L. Stone (LP00042353). Stone tested positive for controlled substances during a drug test at her workplace. She used these drugs without a valid prescription.

In September 2007 the Nursing Assistant Program suspended the credential of Tia M. Hobrecht (NC10067211). Hobrecht failed a drug test at work showing she had consumed marijuana and traces of cocaine.

In August 2007 the Board of Massage revoked the credential of massage therapist Barbara M. Black (MA00000320). Black was convicted of prostitution.

In August 2007 the Nursing Commission revoked the credential of licensed practical nurse Lugenia A. Bruce (LP00048146). Bruce was convicted of prostitution, criminal trespass and assault and property destruction and fire alarm tampering in Seattle Municipal Court. Bruce was also convicted of malicious mischief and harassment and third degree assault in King County Superior Court.

In August 2007 Jerry Cameron entered into an agreed order with the Department of Health to permanently cease and desist from engaging in the practice of dentistry in the state of Washington. He took impressions and made dentures. He has never held a credential.

In September 2007 the Chemical Dependency Professional Program suspended the credential of Eddwynn Jordan (CP00002139). Jordan was convicted of first degree criminal trespass and misdemeanor violation of a court order.

In September 2007 Malcolm McKay (RC00005943 and LH00008751) agreed to surrender his credentials to the Registered Counselor and Licensed Mental Health Programs. McKay had online Internet chats and sent nude photos of himself to an adult posing as a 14-year old boy.

In August 2007 the Unlicensed Practice Program issued a Cease and Desist Order against Carrie Ott. She was employed as a health care assistant and performed blood draws but does not hold a credential to do so.

In September 2007 the Registered Counselor Program suspended the credential of Tamotu L. Tagoai (RC00054035). Tagoai was convicted of third degree assault.

In August 2007 the Unlicensed Practice Program issued a Cease and Desist Order against Gay Gallagher, also known as Gay Finley. She worked as a nursing assistant without holding a credential to do so.

In August 2007 the Nursing Assistant Program revoked the credential of nursing assistant Arturo A. Rodriguez (NC10083049). Rodriguez physically abused a vulnerable patient under his care. He was also convicted of possession of a controlled substance and use of drug paraphernalia.

In August 2007 the Registered Counselor and Chemical Dependency Professional Programs suspended the credentials of John S. Burnett (RC00011800 and CP00001731). Burnett self-reported an alcohol relapse.

In August 2007 the Board of Massage revoked the credential of massage therapist Kathie L. Cummings (MA00002072). Cummings was convicted of prostitution.

In August 2007 the Nursing Commission indefinitely suspended the credential of licensed practical nurse Sharon Drogen (LP00033320). Drogren diverted medication from her workplace for her own use.

In August 2007 the Nursing Commission suspended the credential of licensed practical nurse Tracy M. Hare (LP00050850). Hare administered more than the prescribed dosage of Oxycodone to a patient and she diverted Oxycodone from her workplace.

In August 2007 the Unlicensed Practice Program issued a Cease and Desist Order against Chris Johnston. He offered to treat back pain and depression. Johnston does not currently hold a credential to practice as a physician or counselor and has never held a Washington state health care credential.

In August 2007 the Medical Commission indefinitely suspended the license of physician Karen F. McKinney (MD00020917). McKinney is unable to practice medicine with reasonable skill and safety resulting from an accident in 2001. She also surrendered her California license due to the injury.

In August 2007 the Registered Counselor Program suspended the credential of Debbi A. Reed (RC00020235). Reed failed to comply with terms and conditions against her license.

In August 2007 the Health Care Assistant Program revoked the certification of Wendy K. Shadle (HC00146695). Shadle failed to disclose a criminal conviction on her application. She also phoned in unauthorized prescriptions for Hydrocodone and Tylenol 3 for her own use on more than one occasion.

In August 2007 the Nursing Commission denied the application reactivation of licensed practical nurse Leona G. Soumers (LP00038226). Soumers was convicted of violation of a court order, felony harassment, second degree malicious mischief and shoplifting.

In August 2007 the Dental Commission extended the license suspension of dentist George C. Whitehead (DE00005204). Whitehead provided substandard care to patients, operated his dental office while his license was suspended and also negligently prescribed excessive amounts of narcotics.

In August 2007 the Nursing Assistant and Health Care Assistant Programs revoked the credentials of nursing assistant and health care assistant Jason D. Sarrazin (NA00158758 and HC00142475). Sarrazin pled guilty to unlawful imprisonment (domestic violence) and third degree assault (domestic violence). He cannot reapply for 10 years.

In September 2007 the Board of Pharmacy indefinitely suspended the license of pharmacist Deneice Gurrad (PH00019299). Gurrad diverted Ambien and Hydrocodone.

In August 2007 the Nursing Assistant Program revoked the credential of certified nursing assistant Lila M. Guzman (NC10087826). Guzman accepted money from a patient, as well as other gifts, including jewelry, a car, a stock portfolio and other items totaling over $100,000.

In September 2007 the Secretary of Health withdrew charges against pharmacist Vaira Kennedy (PH00009215).

Oregon: In September 2007 the Board of Pharmacy indefinitely suspended the credential of pharmacist Bradley O. Wolfe (PH00021954). Wolfe’s credential to practice as a pharmacist in Oregon was revoked by the state of Oregon.

Michigan: In August 2007 the Medical Commission indefinitely suspended the license of physician Mark A. Mattos (MD00040481). Mattos failed to comply with a prior order against his license. He used controlled substances illegally.

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