For immediate release: January 10, 2008 (08-002)

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

State revokes, suspends licenses, certifications, registrations of health care providers

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 December 2007 the Nursing Assistant Program revoked the credential of Heather S. Smith (NC10073655). Smith was convicted of third degree child assault.

In November 2007 Brandy M. Alexander entered into an agreed order with Unlicensed Practice Program to permanently cease and desist from engaging in any and all conduct constituting the practice of nursing assistant in Washington.

In December 2007 the Registered Counselor Program suspended the credential of Patricia M. Bowen (RC00058300). Bowen failed to comply with terms set against her credential.

In December 2007 the Registered Counselor Program indefinitely suspended the credential of Jennifer E. Martin (RC00041333). Martin failed to comply with terms set against her credential.

In December 2007 the Nursing Assistant Program revoked the credential of Yolonda G. Pugh (NC10069979). Pugh was convicted of third degree theft.

In December 2007 the Secretary of Health withdrew charges against registered counselor Gari D. Stanley (RC00048102).

In December 2007 the Nursing Assistant and Health Care Assistant Programs suspended the credentials of Karina L. Hansen (NC10075338 and HC00146972). Hansen tested positive for amphetamines and methamphetamines during two urine samples in 2006.

In December 2007 the Nursing Commission indefinitely suspended the license of licensed practical nurse Traci L. Albro (LP00052325). Albro diverted controlled substances for her own use on several occasions.

In December 2007 the Licensed Mental Health Counselor Program suspended the credential of Jaynee Cadrez (LH00008380). Cadrez surrendered her credential to practice as a professional counselor in Utah. She admitted to engaging in a relationship with a client and also misrepresented facts on her license application in Utah.

In December 2007 the Registered Counselor Program indefinitely suspended the credential of Rochelle A. Forsness (RC00056603). Forsness failed to comply with terms set against her credential.

In December 2007 the Nursing Commission summarily suspended the license of registered nurse Donna Hamshar (RN00118448). Hamshar’s license to practice nursing in Alaska was revoked by the Alaska Board of Nursing.

In December 2007 the Nursing Assistant Program suspended the credential of Leah Presleigh (NC10071105). Presleigh was convicted of second degree assault.

In December 2007 the Health Care Assistant Program indefinitely suspended the credential of Rheycel S. Orante (HC00150116). Orante failed to comply with terms set against her credential.

In December 2007 the Nursing Assistant Program revoked the credential of Christine J. Simonson (NC10031483). Simonson stole money from residents and other employees at her place of employment. She was also convicted of one count of attempted violation of the uniform controlled substances act.

In December 2007 the Nursing Assistant Program suspended the credential of Shebuel A. Bel (NC10075945). Bel was convicted of second degree assault.

In December 2007 the Nursing Assistant Program suspended the credential of Malissa M. Cunningham (NA00181248). Cunningham was convicted of conspiracy to possess a controlled substance with intent to deliver, unlawful possession of a controlled substance and second degree assault.

In December 2007 the Nursing Assistant Program indefinitely suspended the credential of Melissa Moore (NC10092669). Moore accepted a cell phone from a patient under the agreement that she would reimburse the patient for the cost of the phone. She never paid for the cell phone.

In December 2007 the Board of Pharmacy revoked the credential of Khristine Palmer (VA00044229). Palmer tested positive for marijuana during a drug screen.

In December 2007 the Nursing Commission indefinitely suspended the license of licensed practical nurse Lorilyn M. Schrader (LP00026541). Schrader failed to comply with terms set against her credential.

In December 2007 the Nursing Assistant Program indefinitely suspended the credential of Gillian Scott-Yearwood (NC10086343). Yearwood was convicted of third degree malicious mischief. She also provided substandard care to patients on more than one occasion.

In November 2007 Rene J. Comeaux (DE00003915) agreed to voluntarily surrender his license to practice dentistry in the state of Washington to the Dental Commission.

In November 2007 the Board of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery suspended the license of Jeffrey R. Jamison (OP00001523). Jamison had a romantic and sexual relationship with a patient. The suspension will be stayed if he complies with certain conditions.

In December 2007 the Board of Pharmacy revoked the credential of Bonnie Okura (VA00012763). Okura repeatedly diverted legend drugs for her employer.

In December 2007 the Nursing Assistant Program revoked the credential of Kirk A. Orr (NA00149620). Orr sexually touched an elderly patient with Alzheimer’s disease on more than one occasion while she was living at his adult family home.

In December 2007 the Board of Pharmacy revoked the credential of pharmacy technician Sarah Wallace (VA00046732). Wallace took prescriptions from her place of employment for her husband without a valid prescription and without paying for them.

In December 2007 the Nursing Assistant Program revoked the credential of Romeo V. Aquino (NC10098059). Aquino was convicted of second degree assault.

In December 2007 the Board of Pharmacy revoked the credential of pharmacy technician Lori R. Kenyon (VA00040653). Kenyon diverted controlled substances from her employer on more than one occasion. She also forged a prescription for her own use.

In December 2007 the Nursing Assistant Program suspended the credential of Michael J. Armijo (NA00181882). Armijo was convicted of third degree malicious mischief on two occasions, fourth degree assault and third degree assault.

In December 2007 the Nursing Assistant Program indefinitely suspended the credential of Kamillie L. Concepcion (NC10097575). Concepcion was found sleeping on the job.

In December 2007 the Nursing Commission suspended the license of registered nurse Michael S. Rodriguez (RN00147746). Rodriguez was convicted of second degree assault.

In December 2007 the Nursing Assistant Program suspended the credential of Christina O. Pacheco (NC10068585). Pacheco was convicted of third degree assault.

In December 2007 the Nursing Assistant Program indefinitely suspended the credential of Enrique Pola (NC10025918). Pola was convicted of driving with a suspended license, driving under the influence, hit and run of an attended vehicle and assault.

Kansas: In December 2007 the Veterinary Board of Governors suspended the license of Janet L. Parker (VT00005587). Parker failed to comply with an order from the board.

Vancouver, BC: In November 2007 the Nursing Commission suspended the license of registered nurse Shannon N. Saffold (RN00138649). Saffold diverted a narcotic for her personal use. She cannot seek reinstatement for two years.

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