For immediate release: November 16, 2007 (07-198)
Contact: Media inquiries: Allison Cook, Communications Office 360-236-4022
Public inquiries: Health Professions Customer Service 360-236-4700
OLYMPIA • The Washington State Department of Health has taken disciplinary actions or withdrawn charges against health care providers in our state.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.
Benton County
In October 2007 the Nursing Commission reinstated the license of registered nurse Mary E. Coomes (RN00130935).
Clark County
In October 2007 the Dental Commission charged dentist Richard R. Garay (DE00006815) with unprofessional conduct. Allegations include failing to properly diagnose or treat the patient, failing to provide an adequate treatment plan and failing to discuss treatment options and potential complications with the patient and patient» s family.
In October 2007 the Registered Counselor Program reinstated the license of registered counselor Joseph L. Hascall (RC00036319).
In October 2007 the Nursing Assistant Program denied the application of nursing assistant applicant Debra J. McDermott (NA00193119). She was convicted of taking a motor vehicle without permission on two different occasions, possession of stolen property, theft, forgery and controlled substance violation. She failed to respond to department inquiries regarding the convictions. She cannot reapply for 10 years.
In October 2007 the Registered Counselor Program denied the application of registered counselor applicant Debra J. McDermott (RC00057118). She was convicted of taking a motor vehicle without permission on two different occasions, possession of stolen property, theft, forgery, and controlled substance violation. She failed to respond to department inquiries regarding the convictions. She cannot reapply for five years.
Cowlitz County
In October 2007 the Health Care Assistant and Nursing Assistant Programs charged a health care assistant and nursing assistant Karina L. Hansen (HC00146972 and NC10075338) with unprofessional conduct. She allegedly tested positive for amphetamines and methamphetamines during two urinalyses give by her employer and failed to respond to department inquiries regarding the complaint.
In October 2007 the Registered Counselor Program charged registered counselor applicant Erik M. Richardson (RC00057648) with unprofessional conduct. He was convicted of theft on three different occasions.
Grant County
In October 2007 the Nursing Assistant Program denied the application of nursing assistant applicant Sheena L. Hecker (NA00191512). She was convicted of assault » domestic violence on two different occasions, malicious mischief » domestic violence, theft, criminal trespass and malicious mischief » property damage. She failed to disclose the convictions on her application and failed to respond to department inquiries regarding the convictions. She cannot reapply for seven years.
King County
In October 2007 the Nursing Commission placed the license of licensed practical nurse Heather L. Cornelius (LP00046238) on probation for two years. She took a patient» s credit card without permission and charged over $400 worth of merchandise for her own personal use. She must comply with the terms and conditions set against her license.
In October 2007 the Nursing Assistant Program amended the statement of charges against nursing assistant Elizabeth M. Gichuki (NC10084369). She allegedly left a developmentally disabled adult patient alone and locked in a vehicle for an hour and pled guilty to reckless endangerment.
In October 2007 the Board of Pharmacy charged pharmacy assistant Mary C. Hodge (VB00061400) with unprofessional conduct. She allegedly diverted drugs from her place of employment for her own use.
In October 2007 the Board of Pharmacy charged pharmacy assistant applicant Stephanie O. Kennedy (CA00066986) with unprofessional conduct. She was convicted of false public assistance verification and allegedly failed to disclose the conviction on her application.
In October 2007 the Registered Counselor Program reinstated the license of registered counselor Forrest R. Stillwell (RC00052151).
Kitsap County
In October 2007 the Nursing Assistant Program charged nursing assistant applicant Nicholas C. Oliver (NA00195453) with unprofessional conduct. He was convicted of possession of marijuana with intent to manufacture or deliver.
Pierce County
In October 2007 the Registered Counselor Program reinstated the license of registered counselor Larry H. Hendricks (RC00050321).
In October 2007 the Nursing Assistant Program charged nursing assistant applicant Jacqueline M. Issac (NC10055775) with unprofessional conduct. She was convicted of malicious mischief and allegedly failed to respond to department questions about the conviction.
In October 2007 the Registered Counselor Program denied the application of registered counselor applicant Kyle W. Warner (RC00058011). He was convicted of possession of a stolen firearm. Warner cannot reapply for three years.
Skagit County
In October 2007 the Registered Counselor Program charged registered counselor Faviola Lopez (RC00055169) with unprofessional conduct. She allegedly failed to comply with previous terms and conditions set against her license.
Snohomish County
In October 2007 the Health Care Assistant Program charged health care assistant Adela G. Hussen (HC00153657). She was convicted of theft. Hussen» s application to become a nursing assistant was denied with no right to reapply for five years and she failed to disclose this on her health care assistant application.
Spokane County
In October 2007 the Nursing Assistant Program charged nursing assistant applicant Ryan W. Liesche (NA00193527) with unprofessional conduct. He was convicted of possession of controlled substance with intent to deliver » marijuana on two occasions and possession of a controlled substance » marijuana. He allegedly failed to respond to department inquiries regarding the convictions.
Whatcom County
In October 2007 the Board of Pharmacy charged pharmacist Thomas S. O» Leary (PH00009950) with unprofessional conduct. He allegedly diverted drugs from his place of employment for his own use.
Yakima County
In October 2007 the Chiropractic Commission charged chiropractor William D. Harrington (CH00003133) with unprofessional conduct. He allegedly failed to reexamine patients as required.
Out of State
California: In October 2007 the Chemical Dependency Professional Program placed the license of chemical dependency professional Toni Johnson (CP00003443) on probation for two years. She failed to properly document necessary client information in required files. She must comply with terms and conditions set against her license.
California: In October 2007 the Nursing Commission charged registered nurse applicant Cecilia E. Lemieux (RN00131581) with unprofessional conduct. Her license to practice as a registered nurse in California was restricted.
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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Visit the Washington Department of Health Web site at http://www.doh.wa.gov for a healthy dose of information.