For immediate release: October 2, 2008 (08-168)

Contacts:
Media inquiries: Allison Cook, Communications Office 360-236-4022
Public inquiries: Health Systems 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 Systems 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.

Benton
Clark
Island
Jefferson
King
Kitsap
Lewis
Pierce
Snohomish
Spokane
Stevens
Thurston
Whatcom
Yakima
Out of State

In September 2008 the Registered Counselor Program indefinitely suspended the credential of Samantha L. Sharer (RC00048274). Sharer failed to comply with previous terms and conditions set against her credential.

In September 2008 the Nursing Commission withdrew the statement of charges against registered nurse Teresa Altman (RN00113999).

In September 2008 the Office of Emergency Medical Services and Trauma System permanently revoked the credential of Darryl J. Courson (PARA.ES.00123802). Courson failed to comply with a previous order.

In September 2008 the Registered Counselor Program indefinitely suspended the credential of Alan D. Merrill (RC00056983). Merrill failed to comply with a previous order.

In September 2008 the Chiropractic Commission indefinitely suspended the credential of Bruce M. Linehan (CH00002852). Linehan provided chiropractic treatments to several patients while his license was suspended.

In September 2008 the Dental Commission suspended the license of Richard I. Johnson (DE00006129). Johnson was convicted of driving under the influence on two separate occasions.

In September 2008 the Chiropractic Commission withdrew the statement of charges against Joseph C. Ayele (CH00003391).

In September 2008 the Registered Counselor Program indefinitely suspended the credential of Victor C. Conquest (RC00058216). Conquest failed to comply with a previous order.

In September 2008 the Health Care Assistant Program suspended the credential of Angela H. Dowell (HC00146780). Dowell was convicted of attempting to obtain a controlled substance by a forged or altered prescription. She issued false prescriptions and refills for controlled substances in other persons' names that she purchased for her own use on 18 occasions.

In September 2008 the Pharmacy Board vacated the summary suspension and withdrew all charges against pharmacist Daniel Y. Kim (PH00014823).

In August 2008 the Chiropractic Commission withdrew the statement of charges against Harold G. McCoy (CH00001138).

In September 2008 the Registered Counselor Program indefinitely suspended the credential of Tanya D. Roark (RC00058995). Roark failed to comply with terms set against her credential.

In September 2008 the Pharmacy Board suspended the credential of pharmacy assistant Alexis Tobin (VB00069039). Tobin diverted two bottles of controlled substances.

In September 2008 the Secretary of Health withdrew the statement of charges against registered counselor Tamee Jean Cyphers (RC00057701).

In September 2008 the Secretary of Health withdrew charges against nursing assistant Wanda F. Howell (NA00198170).

In August 2008 the Nursing Commission suspended the license of licensed practical nurse Ruthann Raulsome (LP00046955) for three years. Raulsome failed to comply with a previous order.

In September 2008 Helgi S. Douay (LH00007168) agreed to permanently surrender his credential to practice in Washington to the Licensed Mental Health Counselor Program. Douay entered into a romantic relationship with a client.

In August 2008 the Nursing Commission withdrew the statement of charges against registered nurse Anne E. Hayden (RN00065138).

In September 2008 the Pharmacy Board revoked the credential of pharmacy technician Misty L. Arcuri (VA00043040). Arcuri stole more than $16,000 from her place of employment and was convicted of second degree theft related to the incident.

In September 2008 the Nursing Assistant Program suspended the credential of Warren Collie (NA00121430). Collie crossed professional boundaries with a patient.

In September 2008 the Pharmacy Board revoked the credential of pharmacy technician Michael J. Hendrickson (VA00012567). Hendrickson diverted controlled substances from his place of employment for a period of 2.5 years.

In September 2008 the Registered Counselor Program indefinitely suspended the credential of Doddie A. Moore (RC00057353). Moore failed to comply with a previous order.

In September 2008 the Chemical Dependency Professional Program modified an order against Janice L. Pepin (CP00001668). Pepin's credential is now suspended.

In August 2008 the Nursing Commission indefinitely suspended the license of Linda K. Bollinger (RN00134567). Bollinger failed to comply with a previous order.

In September 2008 the Licensed Mental Health Program indefinitely suspended the credential of Richard Graff (LH00005884). Graff failed to comply with a previous order.

In September 2008 the Nursing Assistant Program suspended the credential of certified nursing assistant Mariah O. Allen (NC10030537). Allen was convicted of possession of methamphetamine.

In September 2008 the Nursing Commission indefinitely suspended the license of registered nurse Elena M. Hunt (RN00133562). Hunt failed to comply with a previous order.

In September 2008 the Pharmacy Board revoked the credential of pharmacy technician Tamara L. Mildenberger (VA00019877). Mildenberger diverted drugs for her own use.

In August 2008 the Nursing Commission revoked the license of licensed practical nurse Cyndi L. Cunningham (LP00057258). Cunningham's license to practice as licensed practical nurse in Illinois was indefinitely suspended for criminal charges.

In July 2008 the Nursing Commission revoked the license of Alton B. Butler (RN00110375) based on evidence he engaged in inappropriate sexual contact.

Canada: In September 2008 the Pharmacy Board revoked the license of pharmacist Stephen Rivington (PH00041700). Rivington was charged with driving under the influence and failed to comply with conditions of deferred prosecution. He also failed cooperate with the board's investigation of the situation.

Colorado: In August 2008 the Nursing Commission indefinitely suspended the license of registered nurse Rachel Ann Beck (RN00174654). Beck's license to practice as a registered nurse in Colorado was suspended because she failed to comply with conditions against her license.

Texas: In August 2008 the Nursing Commission indefinitely suspended the license of registered nurse Matthew D. Melvyn (RN00168590). Melvyn failed to comply with terms set against his license.

###