For immediate release: October 15, 2007 (07-183)

Contact:
Media inquiries: Allison Cook, Communications Office 360-236-4022
Public inquiries: Health Professions Customer Service  60-236-4700

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 September 2007 the Nursing Commission corrected an order against licensed practical nurse Tamara Johnson (LP00036396). Johnson, also known as Tamara Flores, failed to comply with terms and conditions set against her license and her license is suspended. She can reapply once she has met terms and conditions.

In September 2007 the Nursing Commission indefinitely suspended the license of registered nurse Jan-Sidra Mleczko (RN00092548). Mleczko failed to comply with terms and conditions against her license.

In September 2007 the Nursing Assistant Program suspended the credential of nursing assistant Amy J. Bertram (NC10094689). Bertram solicited and received money from a patient and failed to respond to program inquiries about the issue.

In September 2007 the Board of Optometry revoked the credential of optometrist Rodolfo Nicacio (OD00002058). Nicacio was convicted of indecent liberties with a patient in Douglas County.

In September 2007 the Dental Commission revoked the license of dentist James N. Classen (DE00004608). Classen confessed to stabbing his wife to death in 2005.

In September 2007 the Denturist Program revoked the license of denturist Clinton J. Olson (DN0000046). Olson abandoned his office without notifying patients, billed Medicaid for dentures and never provided them and failed to maintain treatment records and charts of these patients.

In September 2007 the Nursing Assistant Program indefinitely suspended the credential of Kristen J. Futter (NA00187527). Futter swore at a resident and wiped the patient’s eye roughly and caused pain.

In September 2007 the Registered Counselor Program suspended the registered counselor credential of Darren M. Brown (RC00051129). Brown crossed professional boundaries with a client during their counseling relationship.

In September 2007 the Nursing Assistant Program denied the reactivation application for Allison L. Arnold (NA00024935). Arnold was convicted of third degree statutory rape, vehicular homicide, possession of marijuana, third degree malicious mischief and fourth degree assault on two separate occasions.

In October 2007 the Nursing Commission indefinitely suspended the license of registered nurse Charlene A. Healy (RN00103128). Healy failed to comply with an order against her license.

In September 2007 the Dental Commission indefinitely suspended the license of dentist Mark Studenny (DE00009982). Studenny was convicted of possession of child pornography. He cannot reapply for 20 years.

In September 2007 the Health Care Assistant Program revoked the credentials of Heath R. Warren, also known as Heathcliff R. Warren, (HC00142345 and HC00150685). Warren made inappropriate remarks of a sexual nature to two patients and had sexual contact with both of them.

In October 2007 the Secretary of Health withdrew charges against health care assistant Michelle D. Milholland (HC00148803 and HC00151047).

In September 2007 the Nursing Assistant Program suspended the credential of Milton K. Nichols (NC10021890). Nichols was convicted of criminal assault in Pierce County and failed to respond to the department about the conviction.

In September 2007 the Registered Counselor Program indefinitely suspended the credential of Donald G. Lewellen (RC00057356). Lewellen failed to comply with terms and conditions set against his credential.

In September 2007 Laura Cooper entered into agreement with the Unlicensed Practice Program to permanently cease and desist from any and all conduct constituting the practice of massage therapy in the state of Washington. She advertised massage services.

In September 2007 the Nursing Assistant Program revoked the credential of nursing assistant Candiann Brown (NC10063445). Brown took and used a patient’s credit card without permission.

In September 2007 the Nursing Commission suspended the license of registered nurse and advanced registered nurse practitioner Geralyn M. Keenan (RN00079958 and AP30002280). Keenan worked while impaired by drugs.

In September 2007 the Nursing Assistant Program suspended the credential of Carlos F. Lopez de Victoria (NA00188174). Lopez de Victoria left a patient unattended in his car. While the patient was alone he found marijuana, smoked it and had a psychological episode.

In September 2007 the Nursing Assistant Program denied the reactivation application of Kaycee L. Wayne (NA00173939). Wayne was convicted of third degree theft and obstructing a law enforcement officer in Spokane County. She failed to disclose these convictions on her application as required.

In September 2007 the Nursing Commission indefinitely suspended the credential of Joan E. Ogilvie (RN00097930). Ogilvie failed to comply with terms and conditions previously placed on her license.

In September 2007 the Nursing Commission suspended the license of registered nurse Emma O. West (RN00064879). West forged prescriptions for legend drugs. She was convicted of obtaining a legend drug by fraud.

In September 2007 Bhupinder Chandel entered into agreement with the Unlicensed Practice Program to permanently cease and desist from engaging in any and all conduct constituting the practice of medicine, acupuncture and massage in the state of Washington. He offered and provided treatment for various conditions including cancer and arthritis.

In September 2007 the Nursing Assistant Program revoked the credential of Pamela S. Thompson (NC10081300). Thompson was convicted of assault.

In October 2007 the Nursing Commission suspended the license of licensed practical nurse Jennifer L. Wolford and denied her application for a registered nurse license (LP00054330 and CA00071052). Wolford was convicted of attempted forgery.

Arizona: In September 2007 the Nursing Assistant Program summarily suspended the credential of nursing assistant Angela R. Vicari (NC10086208). Vicari’s credential to practice as a nursing assistant in Arizona was revoked for failure to comply with a previous order. She cannot practice pending further proceedings.

Arizona: In September 2007 the Medical Commission indefinitely suspended the license of James N. Yarusso (MD00041247). Yarusso’s license to practice medicine was inactivated by the Arizona Medical Board for failing to comply with terms and conditions.

California: In September 2007 the Licensed Mental Health Counselor Program summarily suspended the license of Jaynee Cadrez (LH00008380). Cadrez surrendered her credential to practice as a professional counselor in Utah for engaging in a relationship with a former client as well as misrepresenting facts on her license application.

Colorado: In October 2007 the Nursing Commission indefinitely suspended the license of Kelly L. Brown (RN00127648). Brown’s credential to practice as a professional nurse was suspended by the Colorado Board of Nursing.

Oregon: In September 2007 the Nursing Commission summarily suspended the license of registered nurse Elizabeth Lowry (RN00151225). Lowry’s license to practice in Oregon was revoked for narcotic discrepancies at work and violation of patient boundaries.

Oregon: In September 2007 the Chemical Dependency Professional Program indefinitely suspended the credential of chemical dependency professional Anne M. Westrup (CP00002392). Westrup failed to comply with terms and conditions set against her credential.

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