For immediate release: October 5, 2007                                                       (07-170)

 Contact:  Media inquiries: Allison Cook, Communications Office                360-236-4022

               Public inquiries: Health Professions Customer Service                   360-236-4700

 State disciplines health care providers

 OLYMPIA - The Washington State Department of Health has taken disciplinary actions or withdrawn charges against health care providers in our state.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 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 August 2007 the Dental Commission charged dentist Thomas M. Kreger (DE00005279) with unprofessional conduct. He allegedly extracted teeth without prior authorization, without a prescription and not pursuant to the treatment plan of the patient. He also allegedly failed to complete continuing education requirements.

 Grant County

 In September 2007 the Registered Counselor Program charged Darren M. Brown (RC00051129), a registered counselor, with unprofessional conduct. Brown allegedly crossed professional boundaries with a patient by meeting with the patient outside of an agency setting, sending the patient flowers at her place of employment and visiting the patient’s personal residence.

 In August 2007 the Nursing Assistant Program denied the application of nursing assistant applicant Spicie Webb Larson (CA00047700). Her license to practice as a licensed practical nurse in Arizona was revoked. Larson cannot reapply until her license to practice as a licensed practical nurse in Arizona is fully reinstated.

 King County

 In August 2007 the Dental Commission charged dentist Lourdes M. Acuesta (DE00005777) with unprofessional conduct. She allegedly failed to meet the standard of care for orthodontic services to a patient by not obtaining adequate pre-treatment records, not adequately addressing the patient’s dental health, not discussing treatment options and not scheduling appropriate follow-up care.

 In August 2007 the Nursing Assistant Program denied the application of registered nursing assistant applicant Amanda M. Bennett (NA00193021). She was convicted of attempted theft and failed to respond to department inquiries regarding the conviction. Bennett cannot reapply for ten years.

 In August 2007 the Nursing Commission charged registered nurse Charlene A. Healy (RN00103128) with unprofessional conduct. She allegedly failed to comply with a previous order stating she must complete an investigative mental examination.

 In August 2007 the Chiropractic Commission charged Melinda A. Maxwell (CH00002064), a chiropractor, with unprofessional conduct. Allegations include requiring associates to provide more care than necessary, billing for treatments which were not recorded in patient records and billing under her name when an associate actually provided the treatment.

 In August 2007 the Nursing Assistant Program charged nursing assistant applicant Jennifer L. Pesta (NA00191999) with unprofessional conduct. She was convicted of attempted theft.

 In August 2007 the Dental Commission charged dentist Thomas S. Safley (DE00005482) with unprofessional conduct. He allegedly did not meet the standard of care by failing to develop a treatment plan, failing to properly evaluate the patient and failing to adequately design or place restorations.

 In August 2007 the Medical Commission issued an order against physician Woodrow C. Thompson (MD00023259). Thompson is presently unable to practice with reasonable skill and safety by reason of a mental condition. He is subject to practice restrictions.

 Pierce County

 In August 2007 the Orthotics and Prosthetics Program corrected the statement of charges against Justin Maughan (PS00000183 and OI00000326), an orthotist and prosthetist. He allegedly signed the charts of another practitioner whose credentials to practice as an orthotist and prosthetist were expired.

 In August 2007 the Nursing Commission terminated the probation of licensed practical nurse Donna McCarroll (LP000032644).

 In August 2007 the Medical Commission charged physician Lawrence R. Vidrine (MD00022122) with unprofessional conduct. He allegedly provided substandard care during a surgery that resulted in significant complications.

 Skagit County

 In August 2007 the Nursing Assistant Program charged certified nursing assistant Bryan E. Cooper (NC10042521) with unprofessional conduct. He allegedly attempted to transfer a patient without any assistance resulting in a fall, causing injury to the patient.

Snohomish County

 In August 2007 the X-Ray Technician Program charged x-ray technician Lee E. Entsminger (XT00003080) with unprofessional conduct. He failed to comply with previous terms and conditions set against his license.

 In August 2007 the Registered Counselor Program charged Joseph A. Nagel (RC00058080), a registered counselor applicant, with unprofessional conduct. He was convicted of criminal impersonation.

 In August 2007 the Registered Counselor Program granted the application of registered counselor applicant Peggy L. Shea (RC00057571) and placed her registration on probation for three years. Shea was convicted of reckless endangerment, driving under the influence and domestic violence. She must comply with terms and conditions set against her license. Shea is also known as Peggy L. Harden.

 Whatcom County

 In August 2007 the Dental Commission charged Darryl W. S. Chen (DE00006731 and CS10000154), a dentist with a conscious sedation permit, with unprofessional conduct. Allegations include practicing with an expired license, failing to administer tests before treatment, administering more sedatives than appropriate for conscious sedation and failing to create and maintain adequate treatment records.

 Yakima County

In August 2007 the Medical Commission entered into an agreed order with physician Richard B. Boyd (MD00016580). He practiced below the standard care by prescribing controlled substances for many years without sufficient treatment for a patient’s underlying conditions. He must comply with the terms and conditions set against his license.

 Out of State

 California: In August 2007 the Medical Commission entered into an agreed order with physician Michael M. Akhondi (MD00041769). His California license is on probation. His Washington license is placed on probation and he must comply with the terms and conditions.

 California: In August 2007 the Board of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery charged Anthony Lopresti (OC00000707), an osteopathic physician applicant, with unprofessional conduct. Lopresti allegedly attempted to conceal that his Oregon license is subject to conditions.

 Oregon: In August 2007 the Medical Commission entered into an agreed order with physician John Al Calcagno (MD00043108). His Oregon license is subject to conditions. He must comply with the terms and conditions set against his Washington license.

 Oregon: In September 2007 the Massage Program charged massage therapist applicant Anthony F. Dinsmore (CA00009659) with unprofessional conduct. He was convicted of theft.

 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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