For immediate release: August 15, 2008 (08-136)

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OLYMPIA • The Washington State Department of Health has taken disciplinary actions or withdrawn charges against health care providers in our state.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.

Chelan
Clark
Grant
Grays Harbor
King
Kitsap
Pierce
Snohomish
Spokane
Thurston
Whatcom
Yakima
Out of State

In July 2008 the Board of Psychology placed the license of James D. Goodwin (PY00001113) on probation for two years. He revealed the existence of a prior therapeutic existence with a patient to a group of people without a waiver of confidentiality. He also offered to cancel the patient» s debt if the patient dropped the complaint against him. He must comply with terms and conditions set against his license.

In July 2008 the Nursing Assistant Program denied the reactivation application of Crystal A. Nelson (NC10075369). She allegedly failed to disclose and failed to respond to inquiries about recent arrests.

In July 2008 the Nursing Assistant Program denied the application of Chad N. Worsham (NA00198389). He was convicted of driving under the influence and was terminated from his training program. He cannot reapply for five years.

In July 2008 the Dental Commission entered into an agreed order with Richard A. Pedersen (DE00005133). He failed to keep adequate records, provide a treatment plan, failed to take patients blood pressure prior to and following a procedure, and follow antibiotic protocols. He must comply with terms and conditions set against his license.

In July 2008 the Medical Commission terminated the agreed order against physician Richard Carter (MD00016008). Dr. Carter» s license is now unrestricted.

In June 2008 the Board of Pharmacy denied the application of pharmacy assistant applicant Frank Castaneda (VB00068353). He was convicted of possession of marijuana over forty grams. He cannot reapply for five years.

In July 2008 the Registered Counselor Program denied the application of Flenn L. Chrestman (RC00059632). He entered into a sexual relationship with a client. He cannot reapply for 10 years.

In July 2008 the Board of Hearing and Speech charged hearing instrument fitter/dispenser Thomas S. Gilliam (HA00002496) with unprofessional conduct. He allegedly failed to refund a patient for returned hearing aids in a timely manner.

In July 2008 the Board of Psychology entered into an agreed order with Steven R. Kubacki (PY00002316). He had a personal and romantic relationship with a client. He cannot treat female patients and must comply with other terms and condition set against his license.

In July 2008 the Board of Pharmacy terminated the probation against pharmacist Edward Matsuwaka (PH00014541).

In July 2008 the Chiropractic Commission amended the statement of charges against Melinda A. Maxwell (CH00002064). Allegations include requiring associate chiropractors to provide a standard amount of treatment without considering each patient» s complaints, signs, and symptoms. She also billed an insurance company under her name when another chiropractor actually performed the treatments.

In July 2008 the Board of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery entered into an agreed order with osteopath Susan M. Petcoff (OP00001185). She fell below the standard of care when treating patients and voluntarily limited her practice. She must comply with terms and conditions set against her license.

In July 2008 the Health Care Assistant and X-ray Technician Programs denied the applications of Michael J. Prado (HC00153509 and XT00006731). He was convicted of attempting to elude a pursuing police vehicle. He cannot reapply for three years.

In July 2008 the Registered Counselor Program charged Tanya Roark (RC00058995) with unprofessional conduct. She allegedly failed to comply with previous terms and conditions set against her registration

In July 2008 the Massage Program denied the application of Shi Shi (MA60003807). He was convicted of malicious mischief. Shi cannot reapply for five years. He is also known as Corbin Shi and Corben Shi.

In July 2008 the Registered Counselor Program charged Tamee Jean Cyphers (RC00057701) with unprofessional conduct. She allegedly failed to comply with previous terms and conditions set against her registration.

In July 2008 the Health Care Assistant Program charged Cheri A. Hackworth (HC00148112) with unprofessional conduct. She allegedly wrote prescriptions for herself when the doctors did not authorize the prescriptions.

In July 2008 the Registered Counselor Program denied the application of Kimbal C. Brown, Sr. (RC00058732). He was convicted of assault. He cannot reapply for two years.

In July 2008 the Nursing Assistant Program denied the application of Amber K. Summers (NA00202156). She failed to respond to department inquiries about several arrests. She cannot reapply until February 2011.

In July 2008 the Medical Commission charged physician Cheryle Ram Hart (MD00024480) with unprofessional conduct. Both the Montana Board of Medical Examiners and the Idaho State Board of Medicine restricted her license to practice medicine in those states.

In July 2008 the Board of Hearing and Speech charged hearing aid fitter/dispenser Scott A. Williams (HA00002083) with unprofessional conduct. Allegations include a conviction of theft based on billing audit findings from Washington Department of Labor and Industries.

In July 2008 the Nursing Commission charged registered nurse Carol Jung (RN00077208) with unprofessional conduct. Allegations include speaking inappropriately to a patient, grabbing the patient» s wrist, jerking the feeding tube out of the patient» s hand, and shoving the patient» s hand under the covers. Jung allegedly delayed a patient» s breathing treatment and pain medication and administered additional doses of medication without a doctor» s order. She» s also known as Carol Huff.

In July 2008 the Medical Commission charged physician William C. Williard (MD00029497) with unprofessional conduct. He allegedly removed tissue from the wrong part of a patient» s nose and failed to follow the referral from the dermatologist which put the patient at risk of harm.

In July 2008 the Board of Pharmacy charged pharmacist Dale M. Harts (PH00042849) with unprofessional conduct. He was convicted of assault.

In July 2008 the Nursing Commission charged licensed practical nurse Michel A. Thompson (LP00036653) with unprofessional conduct. She allegedly failed to comply with terms and conditions set against her license.

In July 2008 the Medical Commission charged physician Rosa Martinez (MD00031317) with unprofessional conduct. She allegedly failed to comply with previous terms and conditions set against her license.

Oregon: In July 2008 the Medical Commission charged physician Larry L. Kovachevich (MD00025067) with unprofessional conduct. He allegedly wrote a prescription for a patient that is a relative, failed to document the prescription in the patient» s records, paid for the patient» s prescription and obtained the medication from the pharmacy, directed a physician assistant to write a prescription for controlled substances for him, and appeared to be under the influence of some kind of substance while working.

Note to Editors: Health care providers charged with unprofessional conduct have 20 days to respond to the 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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