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For immediate release: April 3, 2008 (08-049)
Contacts:
Media inquiries:
Allison Cook, Communications Office
360-236-4022
Public inquiries: Health Professions
Customer Service 360-236-4700
OLYMPIA ¾ The Washington State Department of Health has taken disciplinary actions or withdrawn charges against health care providers in our state.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.
Chelan
Cowlitz
Franklin
King
Kitsap
Skagit
Snohomish
Spokane
Walla Walla
Whatcom
Out of State
In February 2008 the Nursing Assistant Program charged nursing assistant Marisol L. Gonzalez (NA00199615) with unprofessional conduct. She was convicted of possession of stolen property, making a false statement to a public servant, and minor in possession and/or consumption of alcohol on more than one occasion. She allegedly failed to disclose the convictions on her application.
In February 2008 the Nursing Assistant Program denied the application of certified nursing assistant applicant Laurie J. White (NC10060248). The state of Oregon indefinitely suspended her license to practice as a certified nursing assistant. She cannot reapply until she can provide proof her license in Oregon has been fully reinstated.
In February 2008 the Board of Hearing and Speech granted the application of hearing aid fitter/dispenser Michael R. Mahoney (HA00000557) and placed his license on probation for ten years. He was convicted of possession of cocaine, attempting to elude a pursuing police vehicle, criminal trespass, and assault. He must comply with terms and conditions set against his license.
In February 2008 the Board of Physical Therapy entered into an agreed order with physical therapist Eli N. Lambert (PT00008627). His licenses to practice physical therapy in Hawaii and Florida were revoked. He must comply with terms and conditions set against his license.
In February 2008 the Nursing Commission placed the license of licensed practical nurse Keri A. Askins (LP00045687) on probation for two years. She accepted a check from a patient for $2,200. She must comply with terms and conditions set against her license.
In February 2008 the Mental Health Counselor Program released Roberta A. Banks (LH00004812) from probation terms and conditions.
In February 2008 the Nursing Commission reinstated the license of registered nurse Cynthia T. Donia (RN00113278).
In February 2008 the Health Care Assistant Program released Jenesis Espinoza (HCA.HC.00142505) from terms and conditions against her license.
In March 2008 the Medical Commission charged physician Robert G. Haining (MD00008934) with unprofessional conduct. Allegations include performing a breast exam without the patient’s consent, viewing a scar on a patient without her consent, and grabbing a patient’s stomach telling her she needed to lose weight.
In February 2008 the Registered Counselor Program denied the application of registered counselor applicant Cameron Y. Fisher (RC00058679). Fisher was convicted of forgery. She cannot reapply for three years.
In February 2008 the Nursing Commission placed the license of licensed practical nurse Lisa A. Dickinson (LP00052145) on probation for two years. She instructed nursing assistants not to answer a patient’s call light and told the patient she would send him “to the nut farm” if he did not stop swearing at her. She must comply with terms and conditions set against her license.
In February 2008 the Nursing Commission placed the license of licensed practical nurse Herco C. Ordona (LP00049311) on probation for 18 months. He dispensed medications after they had been discontinued by the patient’s physician, documented he had dispensed medications but the medications were not given, and recorded he had taken a patient’s pulse before dispensing a medication but failed to contact the physician or hold the medication when the pulse was low.
In January 2008 the Dental Commission modified the order against dentist George Whitehead (DENT.DE.00005204). His license has been taken off suspension. He must comply with terms and conditions set against his license.
In February 2008 the Chiropractic Commission charged chiropractor Travis D. Broughton (CH00003335) with unprofessional conduct. He allegedly charged insurance companies more than he charged self-pay clients, submitted claims for treatments he did not document giving, and failed to provide full records to the department upon request.
In February 2008 the Nursing Commission reinstated the license of registered nurse Anne M. Chamberlin (RN00136046) and placed her license on probation. She must comply with terms and conditions set against her license.
In February 2008 the Nursing Commission placed the license of registered nurse Sherri Newman (RN00083159) on probation for one year. She allegedly entered into an inappropriate relationship with a patient. She must comply with terms and conditions set against her license.
In March 2008 the Licensed Social Worker Program charged licensed social worker Laurie L. Heikkenen (LW00008520) with unprofessional conduct. While working as executive director for her place of employment, she allegedly allowed at least one employee to provide services without holding the necessary credentials.
In February 2008 the Nursing Commission entered into an agreed order with registered nurse Kimberly R. Gannaway (RN00137700). She must comply with terms and conditions set against her license.
Alaska: In February 2008 the Board of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery removed terms of probation against the license of osteopathic physician Ronald C. Brockman (OP00000701).
Montana: In February 2008 the Nursing Commission placed the license of licensed practical nurse Kathryn Halvorsen (LP00051872) on probation for three years. She failed to adequately assess, report, document and intervene when a patient showed signs of severe respiratory distress. The patient was found lying face down in a bed unresponsive with no heartbeat or respirations. She must comply with terms and conditions set against her license.
Ohio: In February 2008 the Medical Commission entered into an agreed order with physician David C. Blocker (MD00027013). His Kentucky and Ohio licenses are subject to restrictions. He must comply with terms and conditions set against his license.
Oregon: In February 2008 the Medical Commission entered into an agreed order with physician Rod I. Belkin (MD00025808). He allegedly wrote prescriptions for a patient without examining the patient or documenting the prescriptions and wrote prescriptions for the patient’s family member without examining the family member or documenting the prescriptions. He must comply with terms and conditions set against his license.
Oregon: In February 2008 the Nursing Commission charged registered nurse Susan D. Fast (RN00125856) with unprofessional conduct. She allegedly stole over $28, 900 from her employer and was convicted of theft and aggravated theft.
Oregon: In March 2008 the Nursing Assistant Program denied the application of nursing assistant applicant Guadalupe Romero (NA00198389). She was convicted of assault and malicious mischief and failed to disclose the convictions on her. She cannot reapply for seven years. She is also known as Maria G. Romero Flores.
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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