For immediate release: October 2, 2007 (07-165)

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OLYMPIA ¾ The Washington State Department of Health has taken disciplinary actions or withdrawn charges against health care providers in our state.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 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.

Clark County

In September 2007 the Nursing Assistant Program denied the reactivation application of nursing assistant Amanda M. Feiss (NA00123067). She admitted to stealing $960 worth of goods from her place of employment. Feiss also failed to respond to department inquiries during the investigation. She cannot reapply for five years.

In September 2007 the Registered Counselor Program charged registered counselor applicant Debra J. McDermott (RC00057118) with unprofessional conduct. She was convicted of taking a motor vehicle without permission on two different occasions, theft, possession of stolen property and a controlled substance violation. She also applied for a nursing assistant registration (NA00193119) and has been charged with unprofessional conduct by the nursing assistant program.

In September 2007 the Nursing Assistant Program charged nursing assistant applicant Sheena L. Hecker (NA00191512) with unprofessional conduct. She was convicted of assault – domestic violence on two different occasions, malicious mischief – domestic violence, theft, criminal trespass and malicious mischief – property damage over $50. She allegedly failed to disclose the convictions on her application as required.

In August 2007 the Dental Commission charged dentist Terry M. Hansen (DE00004716) with unprofessional conduct. Hansen allegedly gave a patient treatment under the standard of care during a root canal treatment.

In September 2007 the Medical Commission charged physician Robert L. Lycksell (MD00020054) with unprofessional conduct. He allegedly had high blood alcohol content when he was pulled over for suspicious behavior.

In September 2007 the Chemical Dependency Professional Program charged chemical dependency professional Susan J. Chapman (CP00000858) with unprofessional conduct. She allegedly submitted a falsified patient treatment discharge summary to an Idaho court.

In September 2007 the Nursing Assistant Program charged registered nursing assistant Darlan M. Davis (NA00165945) with unprofessional conduct. Davis was convicted of assault, two counts of forgery and possession of a controlled substance. She allegedly failed to respond to department inquiries regarding the convictions. She is also known as Tina A. Watson.

In August 2007 the Dental Commission charged dentist Kam Derakshani (DE00007712) with unprofessional conduct. Allegations include substandard care during crown and bridgework treatment and periodontal treatment.

In September 2007 the Health Care Assistant Program charged health care assistant applicant Julie A. Jewell (HC00151976) with unprofessional conduct. She was convicted of harassment in Oregon.

In September 2007 the Medical Commission charged physician Timothy W. Keller (MD00018791) with unprofessional conduct. He is allegedly unable to practice with reasonable skill and safety by reason of a physical or mental condition.

In August 2007 the Medical Commission reinstated the license of physician John D. Sinclair (MD00034862).

In September 2007 the Chiropractic Commission charged Alan Weiss (CH00003286), a chiropractor, with unprofessional conduct. He allegedly abandoned patients without providing referrals or refunds for services not rendered.

In September 2007 the Nursing Assistant Program placed the certification of certified nursing assistant Brittney N. White (NC10093445) on probation for two years. She failed to read a patient’s care plan before putting the patient to bed. The patient fell out of bed resulting in injury.

In September 2007 the Nursing Assistant Program charged certified nursing assistant Shanna A. Carter (NC10064547) with unprofessional conduct. She was convicted of assault and allegedly failed to cooperate with department inquiries regarding the conviction.

In September 2007 the Registered Counselor Program charged registered counselor applicant Andrew L. Farmer (RC00057749) with unprofessional conduct. Farmer was convicted of driving while his license was suspended, reckless driving and possession of a controlled substance – methamphetamine. He is also known as Andrew L. Simpson.

In September 2007 the Denturist Program charged denturist Kevin C. Kowalski (DN00000254) with unprofessional conduct. He allegedly failed to comply with previous terms and conditions set against his license.

In August 2007 the Nursing Commission terminated the probation of registered nurse Casey Milroy (RN00072934).

In September 2007 the Unlicensed Practice Program issued a Notice of Intent to Issue Cease and Desist Order to Alexis Noel. She allegedly applied for a job as a licensed practical nurse and represented she held an active credential. She is not licensed to practice as a licensed practical nurse.

In August 2007 the Nursing Commission granted the request for termination of probation of registered nurse Robert J. Walker (RN00140277).

In August 2007 the Denturist Program charged denturist Clinton J. Olson (DN00000046) with unprofessional conduct. He allegedly abandoned his patients without notification or providing them with their pre-paid dentures and other services.

In September 2007 the Nursing Assistant Program charged registered nursing assistant Raquel Ledesma (NA00123505) with unprofessional conduct. She was convicted of theft, threats to do harm and unlawful issuance of bank checks or drafts on two different occasions.

California: In August 2007 the Dental Commission charged dentist Alireza Y. Nazeri (DE00006673) with unprofessional conduct. He allegedly violated the standard of care during various treatments.

Canada: In September 2007 the Nursing Commission charged registered nurse Greg S. Neufeldt (RN00123876) with unprofessional conduct. His British Columbia license was allegedly suspended and he has refused to give any information about the reasons for his suspension.

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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