For immediate release: January 18, 2008 (08-006)

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OLYMPIA ľ The Washington State Department of Health has taken disciplinary actions or withdrawn charges against health care providers in our state.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
King
Kitsap
Pierce
Skagit
Snohomish
Spokane
Whatcom
Yakima
Out of State

In January 2008 the Registered Counselor Program charged registered counselor applicant John B. King (RC00057748) with unprofessional conduct. He was convicted of unlawful possession of controlled substance – methamphetamine and unlawful possession of a controlled substance – marijuana with the intent to deliver.

In December 2007 the Nursing Assistant Program denied the application of nursing assistant applicant Kellie L. Resser (NA00195101). She was convicted of identity theft. She cannot reapply for five years.

In January 2008 the Nursing Commission charged registered nurse George L. Armour (RN00053309) with unprofessional conduct. He was convicted of violation domestic violence order.

In December 2007 the Medical Commission charged physician John R. Brinkley (MD00014634) with unprofessional conduct. He allegedly failed to respond to department inquiries regarding a complaint against his license.

In December 2007 the Nursing Commission charged registered nurse applicant Megan J. Moore (RN00171954) with unprofessional conduct. Her license to practice as a registered nurse in Pennsylvania was suspended.

In December 2007 the Board of Physical Therapy charged physical therapist Kurt Moss (PT00004067) with unprofessional conduct. He allegedly directed a patient to perform weight bearing exercises without full written orders, no x-rays and no direct contact with the physician to discuss the amount of weight appropriate for the patient. The alleged treatment resulted in a broken femur and a re-fractured hip.

In December 2007 the Medical Commission charged physician Behrouz Pirouzkar (MD00037233) with unprofessional conduct. He allegedly provided treatments to patients that were unnecessary and not justified by the patients’ conditions. He also allegedly billed the insurance companies for the unnecessary tests and treatments.

In December 2007 the Nursing Commission reinstated the license of licensed practical nurse Admala S. Reddy (LP00053244).

In December 2007 the Registered Counselor and Chemical Dependency Professional Programs charged registered counselor and chemical dependency professional James L. Shirk (RC00011321 and CP00005891) with unprofessional conduct. Allegations include failing to provide an accurate evaluation of a patient, not providing a disclosure statement to the patient, keeping the patient’s records in a non-secure area, failing to disclose to the patient he did not have the license to perform the requested evaluation and submitting an inaccurate report to the court.

In December 2007 the Licensed Mental Health Counselor Program amended the statement of charges against licensed mental health counselor Gayle L. Zeller (LH00007534). She allegedly entered into a sexual and personal relationship with a patient.

In January 2008 the Chemical Dependency Professional Program charged chemical dependency professional Kimberli S. Kibler (CP00003921) with unprofessional conduct. On two different occasions she was convicted of unlawful possession of a controlled substance – cocaine.

In December 2007 the Nursing Assistant Program charged Harold J. Harding (NA00148165) with unprofessional conduct. His license to practice as a health care assistant was suspended based on a failure to comply with previous terms and conditions set against his license.

In January 2008 the Nursing Assistant Program charged Joseph Mackin (NC10077854) with unprofessional conduct. He allegedly failed a urinalysis.

In December 2007 the Nursing Commission charged licensed practical nurse Lisa A. Dickinson (LP00052145) with unprofessional conduct. She allegedly instructed the nursing assistants working with her not to answer the call light of a patient and spoke inappropriately to a patient.

In December 2007 the Nursing Assistant Program charged Heather R. Sanders (NA00185114) with unprofessional conduct. She was convicted of assault.

In January 2008 the Health Care Assistant Program charged Melissa R. Tolar (HC00148911) with unprofessional conduct. She allegedly entered into a personal and romantic relationship with a patient.

In December 2007 the Nursing Commission reinstated the license of registered nurse Debra S. Nelson (RN00079651) and placed her license on probation for four years. Nelson must comply with the terms and conditions set against her license. She is also known as Debra S. Bustanoby.

In December 2007 the Nursing Assistant Program charged Karl D. Anderson (NA00179854) with unprofessional conduct. He was found guilty of second degree child rape and second degree child assault, domestic violence.

In December 2007 the Nursing Commission charged licensed practical nurse Sandra Hinrichs (LP00046049) with unprofessional conduct. Allegations include failing to fully document medications dispensed, failing to conduct a count of the controlled substances at the end of her shift, altering a patient’s record to reflect she had administered medication, failing to accurately document medication dispensed and administering medication to a patient with an incorrect dosage.

In January 2008 the Nursing Assistant Program denied the application of nursing assistant applicant Angie L. Ackerman (NA00191518). She was convicted of attempted forgery. She cannot reapply for three years.

In December 2007 the Unlicensed Practice Program issued a notice of intent to issue cease and desist to Jan Templeton. She allegedly practiced chiropractic and as a dietician by offering to identify stress and provide therapy programs for adults and children for a fee. She allegedly also used the initials C.N.C in conjunction with her name. She does not hold a credential to practice any health care profession in Washington.

In December 2007 the Dental Commission amended the statement of charges against dentist Edwin R. Thorp (DE00004724). He allegedly treated a patient without ever charting and/or evaluating the patient’s periodontal condition. Thorp also allegedly treated the patient and failed to diagnose and document or inform the patient of the condition of the teeth or corrective treatment options.

In January 2007 the Nursing Assistant Program charged Zenaida S. Gatica (NC10050307) with unprofessional conduct. She was convicted of assault and obstructing a law enforcement officer.

Idaho: In December 2007 the Nursing Commission charged licensed practical nurse and registered nurse Amarina M. Grisham (RN00166294 and LP00056597) with unprofessional conduct. She was convicted of driving under the influence and is allegedly unable to practice nursing with a reasonable degree of skill and safety.

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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