For immediate release: Ocotber 1, 2008 (08-166)

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OLYMPIA ¾ The Washington State Department of Health has taken disciplinary actions or withdrawn charges against health care providers in our state.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
Clallam
Clark
Grays Harbor
King
Mason
Pierce
Skagit
Snohomish
Spokane
Thurston
Whatcom
Yakima
Out of State

In September 2008 the Chiropractic Commission amended the statement of charges against chiropractor Jeffrey A. Sullivan (CH00002853). He allegedly had an inappropriate relationship with a minor patient. He also pled guilty to communication with a minor for immoral purposes.

In September 2008 the Medical Commission charged physician Michael J. Lucas (MD00017046) with unprofessional conduct. He allegedly engaged in various types of disruptive behavior that either distracted staff or might have distracted staff from providing good and safe care to patients.

In September 2008 the Registered Counselor Program denied the application of Christopher A. Becker (RC00059148). He was convicted of assault on two different occasions. Becker cannot reapply for three years.

In August 2008 the Medical Commission reinstated the license of physician Manuel R. Galaviz (MD00019433). Dr. Galaviz's license is now unrestricted.

In September 2008 the Nursing Commission charged licensed practical nurse Phyllis S. Stephenson (LP00047593) with unprofessional conduct. She allegedly failed to comply with a medical assessment for a patient and documented that a patient refused medication when there was not an attempt to administer the medication.

In September 2008 the Board of Pharmacy charged pharmacy technician Benjamine M. Carpenter (VA00067024) with unprofessional conduct. He allegedly provided an inaccurate discount on a camera when he purchased it from his place of employment and also smoked marijuana.

In September 2008 the Registered Counselor Program reinstated the registration of Trudy A. Bronson (RC00047462).

In August 2008 the Board of Pharmacy reprimanded pharmacy technician Niki Cowles (VA00071576). She worked as a pharmacy technician prior to receiving a license and failed to respond to department inquiries regarding the allegation. She must comply with terms and conditions set against her license.

In September 2008 the Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Program charged Brian Desroches (LF00001459) with unprofessional conduct. He allegedly disclosed a patient's information to a journalist without the patient's consent. He also allegedly identified himself as a psychologist on a number of occasions. Desroches is not licensed to practice as a psychologist in Washington.

In September 2008 the Respiratory Care Program reinstated the license of Erica N. Dimmer (LR00003506).

In September 2008 the Registered Counselor Program charged Rebecca L. Gaughan (RC00047605) with unprofessional conduct. The Nursing Commission imposed terms and conditions against her license to practice as a registered nurse.

In September 2008 the Registered Counselor Program charged Patricia Kehoe (RC00060029) with unprofessional conduct. Allegations include providing counseling services without an active license and providing falsified credentials to her place of employment.

In August 2008 the Nursing Commission placed the license of licensed practical nurse Elizabeth L. Lucas (LP00021505) on probation for three years. She failed to evaluate a patient who showed signs of difficulty breathing. She must comply with terms and conditions set against her license.

In September 2008 the Chiropractic Commission charged chiropractor Matthew D' Alton Nash (CH00003646) with unprofessional conduct. He allegedly failed to keep adequate documentation for billing and treatment of patients and billed for treatments not provided or not documented.

In September 2008 the Licensed Social Worker Program reinstated the license of Ruth VanDeCarr (LW00004938).

In September 2008 the Nursing Assistant Program charged Isayas M. Worku (NC10082470) with unprofessional conduct. He was convicted of assault.

In September 2008 the Board of Pharmacy charged pharmacy technician Rebecca G. Turk (VA00040637) with unprofessional conduct. She allegedly failed to comply with previous terms and conditions set against her license.

In September 2008 the Registered Counselor Program charged Camellia O. Ricks (RC00058271) with unprofessional conduct. She allegedly entered into a romantic relationship with a patient.

In September 2008 the Nursing Assistant Program charged Michaela M. Sistrunk (NC10091744) with unprofessional conduct. She was convicted of assault.

In September 2008 the Nursing Assistant Program charged Kevin F. White (NC10086081) with unprofessional conduct. He was convicted of theft and malicious mischief. He also allegedly made sexual advances to a patient and co-worker.

In September 2008 the Board of Pharmacy charged pharmacy technician Tyler H. Ledford (VA00042955) with unprofessional conduct. He allegedly diverted drugs from his place of employment.

In September 2008 the Dental Commission charged William D. Oliver (DE00006618) with unprofessional conduct. Allegations include failing to keep adequate documentation of treatment, failing to obtain consent, failing to fully assess the patient's symptoms, and failing to update or offer an appropriate treatment plan.

In September 2008 the Board of Pharmacy charged pharmacy technician Kimberly A. Suedel (VA00050302) with unprofessional conduct. She allegedly diverted drugs from her place of employment.

In September 2008 the Nursing Assistant Program placed the registration of Cheryl Edlin (NA00174019) on probation for four years. She was convicted of three counts of Medicaid false statement. She must comply with terms and conditions set against her license.

In September 2008 the Nursing Assistant Program charged Isaac Ray Matthews (NC10044039) with unprofessional conduct. He was convicted of two counts of assault and allegedly failed to respond to department inquiries regarding the conviction.

In September 2008 the Medical Commission amended the statement of charges against physician Donald R. Miller (MD00026759). He allegedly failed to cooperate with commission investigations and provided negligent care to three patients.

In September 2008 the Dental Commission entered into an agreed order with Edwin Thorp (DE00004724). He failed to keep adequate documentation and charting of a patient's dental condition. He must comply with terms and conditions set against his license.

In September 2008 the Registered Counselor Program charged Leanna Blue (RC00047139) with unprofessional conduct. She allegedly failed to comply with previous terms and conditions set against her license.

California: In September 2008 the Nursing Commission charged registered nurse Shelly Sturman (RN00130784) with unprofessional conduct. Her license to practice as a registered nurse in California was suspended. She is also known as Shelly MacLellan.

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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