For immediate release: June 2, 2008  (08-089)

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

State disciplines health care providers

OLYMPIA ¾ The Washington State Department of Health has taken disciplinary actions or withdrawn charges against health care providers in our state.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 more than 70 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
Island
King
Pend Oreille
Pierce
Skagit
Snohomish
Spokane
Thurston
Whatcom
Yakima
Out of State

In May 2008 the Health Care Assistant Program charged Nick P. Charney (HC00143271) with unprofessional conduct. He was convicted of assault ¾  domestic violence, resisting arrest, and malicious mischief. His license is already on probation for earlier criminal convictions.

In May 2008 the Board of Hearing and Speech charged hearing instrument fitter/dispenser Daniel J. Criss (HA00003666) with unprofessional conduct. Allegations include performing incomplete audiograms, failing to complete charts with required medical waiver forms, failing to keep copies of contracts, and failing to document or inform patients of recision rights.

In May 2008 the Nursing Assistant Program reinstated the license of certified nursing assistant Brandi L. Murphy (NC10042077).

In May 2008 the Nursing Assistant Program denied the application of nursing assistant applicant Susan K. Berck (NA00188149). She was convicted of assault ¾  domestic violence, telephone harassment ¾  domestic violence, and two counts of violation of a domestic violence court order. Bereck cannot reapply for five years.

In May 2008 the Nursing Assistant Program charged nursing assistant applicant Merline J. Blakley (NA00200353) with unprofessional conduct. She was convicted of domestic violence ¾  assault and attempted malicious mischief.

In April 2008 the Registered Counselor Program reinstated the license of Vickie T. Anderson (RC00056803) and placed her license on probation for three years. She must comply with the terms and conditions set against her license.

In May 2008 the X-Ray Technician and Radiological Technologist Programs modified the order against x-ray technician and radiological technologist Amy S. Bjorn (XT00004313 and RT00007143). She must comply with the terms and conditions set against both licenses.

In May 2008 the Registered Counselor Program charged registered counselor applicant Flenn L. Chrestman (RC00059632) with unprofessional conduct. He allegedly practiced counseling without an active credential and entered into a sexual relationship with a client.

In April 2008 the Registered Counselor Program charged Louise H. Curley (RC60012008) with unprofessional conduct. She was convicted of assault ¾  domestic violence and harassment ¾  domestic violence on more than one occasion. She is also allegedly unable to practice with reasonable skill and safety.

In April 2008 the Health Care Assistant Program charged Travis J. Guth (HC00154368) with unprofessional conduct. He allegedly failed to comply with previous terms and conditions set against his license.

In May 2008 the Nursing Assistant Program denied the application of nursing assistant applicant Meletatafu Hefa (NA00198971). She was convicted of attempted forgery. She failed to disclose the conviction on her application and failed to respond to department inquiries regarding her conviction. She cannot reapply for five years.

In April 2008 the Registered Counselor Program charged registered counselor applicant Gregory S. Wilford (RC00058414) with unprofessional conduct. He was convicted of obstructing a public servant, destruction of property, and two counts of assault ¾  domestic violence.

In May 2008 the Emergency Medical Services and Trauma System Program denied the application of first responder applicant Jeff R. Young (FR.ES.01178338). He was convicted of driving under the influence. He cannot reapply until August 2009.

In April 2008 the Nursing Commission charged registered nurse Dana Lynn Ward (RN00116287) with unprofessional conduct. She was convicted of possession of a controlled substance and allegedly failed to respond to department inquiries regarding the conviction.

In May 2008 the Nursing Assistant Program charged Sheril M. Salgado (NC10064202) with unprofessional conduct. She was convicted of making a false or misleading statement to a public official and theft. She allegedly failed to respond to department inquiries regarding the convictions.

In May 2008 the Nursing Assistant Program placed the license of certified nursing assistant Sharon L. Dimick (NC10052858) on probation for three years. She failed to properly supervise and manage nursing assistant employees. She must comply with terms and conditions set against her license.

In May 2008 the Nursing Assistant Program charged nursing assistant applicant Angie Lee Brocher (NA00201789) with unprofessional conduct. The Spokane County Superior Court ordered her into a diversion program. She allegedly failed to disclose the order on her application.

In May 2008 the Nursing Assistant Program charged Brenda Kay Waters (NA00038402) with unprofessional conduct. She pled guilty to theft.

In May 2008 the Nursing Assistant Program denied the application of nursing assistant applicant Keli J. Weber (NA00085574). She was convicted of driving under the influence on more than one occasion and failed to respond to department inquiries regarding the convictions. She cannot reapply for five years.

In May 2008 the Dental Commission charged dentist Edward A. Fletcher (DE00004710) with unprofessional conduct. He allegedly billed a patient's insurance for crowns when the same crowns had been paid for a year prior.

In May 2008 the Nursing Assistant Program reinstated the license of Clayton Madison (NC10081793).

In May 2008 the Nursing Commission charged registered nurse Jeanette Anne Hunt (RN00061408) with unprofessional conduct. She allegedly failed to comply with previous terms and conditions set against her license.

In May 2008 the Nursing Assistant Program charged Dennis S. Pratt (NA00167185) with unprofessional conduct. His license to practice as a licensed practical nurse was suspended for sixty months.

In May 2008 the Nursing Assistant Program charged nursing assistant applicant Bruce Aitken (NA00201269) with unprofessional conduct. He was convicted of driving under the influence. He allegedly failed to disclose the conviction on his application and failed to respond to department inquiries regarding the conviction.

Missouri: In May 2008 the Board of Optometry suspended Jeffry A. Green (OD00001713). The suspension is stayed as long as he complies with terms and conditions set against his license. Green failed to comply with an earlier order.

Montana: In May 2008 the Nursing Commission charged registered nurse Jacqueline K. Sonmez (RN00134263) with unprofessional conduct. Her license to practice as a registered nurse in Montana was suspended.

Utah: In May 2008 the Board of Hearing and Speech charged hearing instrument fitter/dispenser Steven H. Howell (HA00000542) with unprofessional conduct. He allegedly entered into a contract with a patient for hearing aids and received payment for the instruments, but has not refunded the money when the patient asked for a refund because he was not satisfied with the instrument.

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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