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For immediate release: September 4, 2008 (08-149)
Contacts:
Media inquiries:
Allison Cook, Communications Office
360-236-4022
Public inquiries: Health Professions
Customer Service 360-236-4700
Benton
Chelan
King
Kitsap
Pierce
San Juan
Spokane
Thurston
Walla Walla
Yakima
Out of State
OLYMPIA ¾ The Washington State Department of Health has taken disciplinary actions or withdrawn charges against health care providers in our state.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.
In July 2008 the Nursing Commission entered into an agreed order with licensed practical nurse Kimberly A. Channel (LP00050170). She failed to comply with previous terms and conditions set against her license. She must comply with new terms and conditions set against her license.
In July 2008 the Registered Counselor Program charged Samantha L. Sharer (RC00048274) with unprofessional conduct. She allegedly failed to comply with terms and conditions set against her registration.
In August 2008 the Nursing Commission charged registered nurse Kelley A. Carlson (RN00151249) with unprofessional conduct. She allegedly tested positive during drug tests and forged other nurses’ names on the narcotics log.
In August 2008 the Medical Commission charged physician Mary L. Ballard (MD00025316) with unprofessional conduct. She allegedly harassed another physician when the physician did not clear her patient to work. Dr. Ballard will have an opportunity to defend herself against the allegations.
In August 2008 the Registered Counselor Program charged Audrey Buckton (RC00047846) with unprofessional conduct. She allegedly entered into a romantic and sexual relationship with a client.
In August 2008 the Registered Counselor Program denied the application of Louise H. Curley (RC60012008) because she is unable to practice with reasonable skill and safety. She was also convicted of assault – domestic violence and harassment – domestic violence on two different occasions. She cannot reapply for 20 years.
In August 2008 the Medical Commission amended the statement of charges against physician Robert G. Haining (MD00008934). Allegations include giving a patient a breast examination without her consent, pulling a blanket back from a patient and looking at a scar without the patient’s consent, making demeaning comments to a patient regarding her weight, and contacting a patient’s family members to make disparaging statements regarding the patient. Dr. Haining will have an opportunity to defend himself against the allegations.
In August 2008 the Nursing Assistant Program charged Nasya K. Hilton (NC10088339) with unprofessional conduct. She allegedly struck a patient’s leg against a doorjamb which twisted the patient’s leg causing harm to the patient.
In August 2008 the Health Care Assistant Program charged Stephanie A. Holloway (HC60022674) with unprofessional conduct. She allegedly failed to comply with previous terms and conditions set against her license.
In August 2008 the Nursing Commission charged licensed practical nurse Elizabeth L. Lucas (LP00021505) with unprofessional conduct. She allegedly failed to evaluate a patient who was having difficulty breathing and then later deferred the care to another nurse.
In July 2008 the Nursing Commission placed the license of registered nurse Erika Moorhouse (RN00118811) in probation for 10 months. She failed to notify a physician or nursing staff that a patient had missed a dose of medication, ordered but did not document an x-ray for a patient without physician authorization, failed to adequately access and report a change of condition of a patient when the patient complained of chest pains, and administered medication to a patient without a physician’s order. She must comply with terms and conditions set against her license.
In July 2008 the Health Care Assistant Program modified the agreed order against Liana C. Campos (HC60001664). Her credential is on probation for three years and she must comply with terms and conditions set against her license.
In August 2008 the Nursing Assistant Program charged Angela M. Ferguson (NC10047286) with unprofessional conduct. She was convicted of murder.
In July 2008 the Dental Commission charged Robert L. Kiehl (DE00003766) with unprofessional conduct. He allegedly treated patients without wearing gloves or a mask and failed to display his credential in a place visible to patients.
In July 2008 the Nursing Assistant Program entered into an order with Lillian M. Kroll (NC10069892). She diverted drugs from a patient. She must comply with terms and conditions set against her credential.
In August 2008 the Medical Commission terminated the agreed order against physician James R. McGuire (MD00015236). Dr. McGuire’s license is now unrestricted.
In August 2008 the Chiropractic Commission reinstated the license of chiropractor Enayatollah Sobhani (CH00001376).
In August 2008 the Occupational Therapy Practice Board charged occupational therapy assistant Ashley J. Wiggins (OC00001165) with unprofessional conduct. She allegedly billed for five hours stating she had seen eight patients when she actually had not treated any patients. She also allegedly failed to respond to department inquiries regarding the allegations.
In August 2008 the Nursing Assistant Program reinstated the license of Deborah L. Browne (NA00194225).
In August 2008 the Registered Counselor Program denied the application of Theodoro N. Acosta (RC00060288). He was convicted of assault – domestic violence, harassment – domestic violence, and violation of a protection order. He cannot reapply for five years.
In July 2008 the Nursing Commission entered into an agreed order with licensed practical nurse Sandra Hinrichs (LP00046049). She failed to fully document medications given to a patient, failed to conduct a count of controlled substances at the end of her shift, altered the controlled substances sheet to reflect medication she had administered the previous day, failed to fully document medications given, and administered a higher dose of a medication to a patient than the medication orders specified. She must comply with terms and conditions set against her license.
In July 2008 the Medical Commission terminated an order against physician Nathan P. Stime (MD00010797). Dr. Stime’s license is now unrestricted.
In July 2008 the Dental
Commission reinstated the license of Richard L. Penney (DE00006986).
Walla Walla County
In August 2008 the Licensed Social Worker Program placed the license of Laurie L. Heikkenen (LW00008520) on probation for one year. She allowed at least one employee without necessary credentials to provide services that required a credential. She must comply with terms and conditions set against her license.
In August 2008 the Health Care Assistant Program denied the application of Elizabeth C. Palacios (HC00153859). She was convicted of theft and failed to disclose the conviction on her application. She cannot reapply for three years.
Idaho: In August 2008 the Nursing Assistant Program reinstated the credential of Andrea Y. Hill (NA00163331).
Kansas: In August 2008 the Nursing Commission denied the reactivation application of registered nurse Janette C. Delorme-Denton (RN00132230). Her license to practice as a registered nurse in Oregon was suspended. She cannot reapply until she receives an unencumbered license to practice as a registered nurse in Oregon.
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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