For immediate release: August 28, 2008 (08-142) This document has been updated.

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 more than 70 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 July 2008 the Health Care Assistant Program suspended the credential of Nick P. Charney (HC00143271). Charney was convicted of fourth degree assault, resisting arrest, and third degree malicious mischief.

In June 2008 the Nursing Commission suspended the license of licensed practical nurse Rhonda J. Couch (LP00052344). Couch was convicted of first degree theft and forgery.

In July 2008 the Respiratory Care Practitioner Program suspended the credential of Anne E. Miller (LR00003890). Miller was convicted of second degree assault, attempting to elude a pursuing police vehicle, hit and run ¾ unattended, and driving under the influence. She failed to report these convictions to the department as required.

In July 2008 the Nursing Assistant Program indefinitely suspended the credential of Tammie Alioth (NA00198172). Alioth failed to comply with terms set against her credential.

In August 2008 the Nursing Commission indefinitely suspended the credential of Christine C. Bond (RN00159153). Bond obtained refills of a controlled substance when the prescription did not allow for refills.

In August 2008 the Unlicensed Practice Program ordered Dorothy D. Uskoski to immediately cease and desist from engaging in any and all conduct constituting the practice of a registered nurse in the state of Washington, unless she obtains the appropriate license. Uskoski practiced as registered nurse at a school district for several years without the proper credential.

In June 2008 the Physical Therapy Board suspended the license of Melinda Irvine (PT00005994). Irvine failed to report patient complaints to the board regarding the inappropriate conduct of her business partner. Irvine co-owned a physical therapy clinic with another physical therapist. The suspension is stayed and she must comply with terms and conditions.

In July 2008 the Medical Commission entered into an agreed order with Mohammad H. Said (MD00018311). His care fell below the standard in the management of chronic pain patients. He must comply with terms and conditions set against his license.

In August 2008 the Nursing Assistant Program suspended the credential of Bonnie A. Sexton (NA00112675). Sexton was convicted for possession of drug paraphernalia and driving with a suspended or revoked license. She also failed a urinalysis given by her employer.

In July 2008 the Registered Counselor Program revoked the credential of Michael G. Bennett (RC00023003). Bennett engaged in sexual misconduct and boundary violations with two patients.

In August 2008 the Nursing Assistant Program suspended the credential of Effie J. Duckum (NA00108783). Duckum altered the date on her credential.

In August 2008 the Emergency Medical Services and Trauma Program revoked the credential of paramedic Julian Lindsay (00131072). Lindsay was indicted for felony rape in Idaho. He was convicted of felony domestic violence.

In June 2008 the Nursing Assistant Program revoked the credential of Joseph N. Njonge (NC10089584). Njonge murdered a 75-year old woman.

In July 2008 the Health Care Assistant Program indefinitely suspended the credential of Melissa R. Tolar (HC00148911). Tolar entered into a personal and romantic relationship with a patient.

In July 2008 the Pharmacy Board revoked the credential of Christina Wageman (VA00041929) and the license of BC Drug (CF00058388). Wageman admitted to diverting drugs from the pharmacy where she worked. She also owned the pharmacy.

In July 2008 the Nursing Assistant Program suspended the credential of Joshua D. Neri (NA00190451). Neri left a developmentally disabled patient at a movie theater, drank beer with the patient, took the patient to his own apartment where Neri got in an altercation that the patient witnessed, and fled from police with the patient in the back seat of his car.

In July 2008 the Medical Commission withdrew the statement of charges against Alfred H. L. Chan (MD00019718).

In July 2008 the Nursing Commission indefinitely suspended the credential of Deanna L. Fox (RN00138162). Fox failed to comply with previous terms set against her credential.

In July 2008 the Pharmacy Board revoked the credential of pharmacy technician Dawn C. Mooers (VA00060601). Mooers took over $40,000 worth of controlled substances from her place of employment.

In August 2008 the Dental Commission withdrew charges against Mostafa Norooz (DE00007466).

In July 2008 the Registered Counselor Program indefinitely suspended the credential of Faviola Lopez (RC00055169). Lopez failed to comply with terms set against her credential.

In July 2008 the Nursing Commission suspended the license of registered nurse Jennifer Lund (RN00095557). Lund failed to comply with terms set against her license.

In July 2008 the Nursing Assistant Program indefinitely suspended the credential of Teresa Alatorre (NA60000980). Alatorre failed to comply with a previous order.

In July 2008 the Psychology Board indefinitely suspended the license of Jeffrey J. Startzel (PY00002609). Startzel failed to comply with a previous order.

Illinois: In June 2008 the Nursing Commission indefinitely suspended the license of licensed practical nurse Timothy E. Charters (LP00049088). Charters' credential to practice as a licensed practical nurse in Oregon was revoked by the Oregon Board of Nursing for verbal abuse of a patient and the patient's family, threatening or intimidating co-workers, and failing to cooperate with the board during the investigation.

Illinois: In July 2008 the Dental Commission restricted the license of Charles J. West (DE00007238). West provided dental treatment to a patient that fell below the standard of care. West cannot practice in the area of endodontic therapy and/or restoration of endodontically treated teeth. He also cannot advertise the practice of endodontics in any media or otherwise hold himself out as a practitioner of endodontics.

Oregon: In July 2008 the Pharmacy Board suspended the registration of Michael J. Sheppy (VB00071812). Sheppy surrendered his credential to practice as a pharmacy assistant to the Oregon State Board of Pharmacy.

Wisconsin: In July 2008 the Medical Commission entered into an agreed order with physician Robert B. Shillingstad (MD00040567). Shillingstad cannot perform surgery in the state of Washington until he completes at least two years of surgical residency and pays a $3,000 fine.

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