For immediate release: September 26, 2008 (08-162)

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OLYMPIA ¾ The Washington State Department of Health has taken disciplinary actions or withdrawn charges against health care providers in our state.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.

Chelan
Clark
Franklin
Grant
King
Pierce
San Juan
Thurston
Whatcom
Yakima
Out of State

In August 2008 the Nursing Assistant Program denied the application of Natasha N. Bob-Bozarth (NA00195127, NC60030924). She was convicted of possession of methamphetamine. She cannot reapply for two years.

In August 2008 the Board of Pharmacy denied the application of pharmacy assistant applicant Sandy Blackhawk (VB00069581). She was convicted of unauthorized use of a vehicle and entered into a diversion agreement following an arrest for possession of methamphetamine. She is also known as Sandy Rochelle Butler.

In August 2008 the Nursing Commission charged registered nurse Darryl K. Jones (RN00121009) with unprofessional conduct. He allegedly failed to comply with previous terms and conditions set against his license.

In August 2008 the Nursing Commission charged registered nurse Heather C. Smith (RN00156013) with unprofessional conduct. She allegedly attempted to assess a patient's ability to swallow when another hospital department had responsibility for the assessment.

In August 2008 the Nursing Commission charged registered nurse Anna-Mari J. Balagot (RN00103775) with unprofessional conduct. Allegations include failing to assess and provide for a patient's increasing healthcare needs and employing staff who did not meet minimum qualifications. She was also convicted of criminal mistreatment of a patient.

In August 2008 the Nursing Commission charged registered nurse Robin M. Bekins (RN00130829) with unprofessional conduct. She allegedly received over $25,000 in overpayment for hours she didn't work or hours she billed at a higher billing rate.

In August 2008 the Dental Commission amended the statement of charges against Heideh Eftekhari (DE00006748). Allegations include failing to document diagnosis, treatment plan, testing, justification, and informed consent while restoring a patient's teeth. She also allegedly treated a patient for migraine headaches which is outside the scope of practice for a dentist.

In August 2008 the Nursing Assistant Program denied the reactivation application of Maria Guadalupe Hill (NA00018151). She was convicted of promoting prostitution. She cannot reapply for three years.

In August 2008 the Chiropractic Commission placed the license of chiropractor Johanna M. Hoeller (CH00002024) on probation for two years. She failed to keep adequate treatment notes, including failing to document re-examination of a patient after treatments, changes in patient's care or progress from treatment, and findings from x-rays. She must comply with terms and conditions set against her license.

In August 2008 the Dental Commission charged Shawn Keller (DE00009100) with unprofessional conduct. Keller allegedly placed crowns on all of a patient's teeth without taking current x-rays, without making a proper diagnosis and analysis to establish why a treatment was necessary, and without patient consent. Many of the crowns failed prematurely.

In September 2008 the Veterinary Board of Governors charged veterinarian Charles G. Kruger (VT00000948) with unprofessional conduct. He allegedly prescribed controlled substances for a dog without examining him and without keeping adequate prescription records or medical charts. He also allegedly wrote a prescription for himself.

In August 2008 the Medical Commission entered into an agreed order with physician Ray P. Liao (MD00043401). He submitted a falsified certification from the American Board of Anesthesiology to a prospective employer. He is not certified by that board. He must comply with terms and conditions set against his license.

In August 2008 the Medical Commission issued an order against physician Behrouz Pirouzkar (MD00037233). He performed repeated tests and provided treatment to patients that were not necessary and not justified by the patients' conditions and billed the patients' insurance for the unnecessary tests and treatment. He must comply with terms and conditions set against his license.

In August 2008 the Chiropractic Commission entered into an agreed order with chiropractor David Yi (CH00034226). He provided treatments outside of his scope of practice and submitted patient billings that didn't correspond with the treatments provided. He must comply with terms and conditions set against his license for three years.

In August 2008 the Medical Commission charged physician Norma V. Kouklis (MD00011925) with unprofessional conduct. She allegedly failed to respond to commission inquiries regarding a complaint.

In September 2008 the Respiratory Care Program charged Robert G. Marengo (LR00002364) with unprofessional conduct. He was convicted of unlawful possession of cocaine and two counts of assault.

In August 2008 the Medical Commission entered into an agreed order with physician Charles S. Blackadar (MD00037686). He entered into a personal and sexual relationship with a patient. He must comply with terms and conditions set against his license.

In September 2008 the Nursing Assistant Program charged Adam D. Eakin (NC10094157) with unprofessional conduct. He allegedly failed to comply with previous terms and conditions set against his license.

In August 2008 the Nursing Commission charged registered nurse Karen R. Courtney (RN00168282) with unprofessional conduct. She allegedly failed to comply with previous terms and conditions set against her license.

In August 2008 the Medical Commission charged physician Donald R. Miller (MD00026759) with unprofessional conduct. He allegedly failed to cooperate with commission investigations and provided negligent care to two patients.

In August 2008 the Acupuncture Program amended the statement of charges against Russell N. Wahlund (AC00000569). He allegedly touched a patient's pubic area and breasts for several minutes during treatment. He also pleaded guilty to two counts of assault with sexual motivation.

In August 2008 the Unlicensed Practice Program issued a notice of intent to issue cease and desist order to Teresa Lester. She allegedly worked as a nurse, represented herself as a licensed practical nurse, and provided two prospective employers with a falsified printout which falsely represented her as a licensed practical nurse. She is not licensed to practice as a nurse in Washington.

In August 2008 the Nursing Assistant Program amended the statement of charges against Bruce Aitken (NA00201269, NC60005594). He was convicted of driving under the influence. He allegedly failed to disclose the conviction on the application and failed to respond to department inquiries regarding the conviction.

Montana: In August 2008 the Chiropractic Commission charged Philip F. Aumann (CH00002040) with unprofessional conduct. He allegedly failed to comply with previous terms and conditions set against his license.

New Mexico: In August 2008 the Board of Nursing Home Administrators reprimanded Kerry L. Hansen (NH00001434). He acquired money from the facility for his own use and failed to ensure policies were followed when the money in a resident's wallet was not safeguarded. Hansen's license is not active and he must comply with terms and conditions before he can apply for an active license.

Oregon: In August 2008 the Nursing Commission charged licensed practical nurse Sharon R. Simonds (LP00043381) with unprofessional conduct. She allegedly failed to comply with terms and conditions set against her license.

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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