For immediate release: November 18, 2008 (08-184)

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.

Clallam
Clark
Jefferson
King
Lincoln
Pierce
Spokane
Thurston
Walla Walla
Whatcom
Out of State

In September 2008 the Nursing Assistant Program suspended the credential of certified nursing assistant Corean O. Barnes (NC10098646). Barnes was cited for third degree theft for attempting to steal money from a private care giver at the facility where he worked.

In October 2008 the Massage Program indefinitely suspended the credential of Gerald G. Clausen (MA00008387). Clausen failed to comply with previous terms set against his credential.

In September 2008 the Nursing Commission modified an order and indefinitely suspended the license of registered nurse Kaylene Paetow Powell (RN00033672). Her license was suspended in 2003 and placed on probation in March 2008.

In September 2008 the Nursing Assistant Program indefinitely suspended the credential of Judy L. Hartzell (NA00133119). Hartzell failed to comply with previous terms set against her credential.

In October 2008 the Chiropractic Commission withdrew the statement of charges against Paul E. Gamman (CH00001744).

In September 2008 the Registered Counselor Program suspended the credential of Lynn Devin (RC00025112) and the Licensed Social Worker Program denied her application (LW00009352). Devin was convicted of conspiracy to commit visa fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering.

In February 2007 (correct) the Registered Counselor Program reinstated the registration of Gail C. Droz (RC00048790) to practice as a registered counselor.

In October 2008 the Registered Counselor Program permanently revoked the credential of Richard D. Robillard (RC00039922). Robillard inappropriately touched a 10-year old boy and was convicted of second degree assault.

In September 2008 Ralph K. Zech (DE00005207) entered into an agreed order with the Dental Commission. He left gauze in a surgical site after performing oral surgery on a patient. He must comply with terms and conditions.

In September 2008 the Emergency Medical Services and Trauma System Program suspended the credential of emergency medical technician Brian D. Kunz (01168888). Kunz was convicted of first degree theft.

In September 2008 the Nursing Commission indefinitely suspended the license of licensed practical nurse Wendy E. Arneson (LP00045192). Arneson charted she changed wound dressings, when she did not. She also removed a five-day supply of antibiotics from a supply cabinet without permission, and gave a patient incorrect medication.

In September 2008 the Health Care Assistant Program suspended the credential of Cheri A. Hackworth (HC00148112). Hackworth wrote fraudulent prescriptions for herself.

In October 2008 the Medical Commission indefinitely suspended the license of Norma V. Kouklis (M00011925). Kouklis failed to respond to inquiries from the commission.

In November 2008 the Registered Counselor Program reinstated the credential of Doddie A. Moore (RC00057353). She must comply with terms and conditions. Moore’s credential was suspended in September 2008 because she failed to comply with previous terms set against her credential.

In October 2008 the Nursing Commission and the Massage Program permanently revoked the credentials of registered nurse and massage therapist Dale A. Neel (RN00058943, MA00011286). Neel had sexual contact with three clients while giving them massages.

In September 2008 the Registered Counselor Program revoked the credential of Camellia O. Ricks (RC00058271). Ricks entered into a romantic relationship with a patient.

In October 2008 the Secretary of Health withdrew the statement of charges against registered counselor Kimberly E. Sparks (R00059926).

In October 2008 the Occupational Therapy Practice Board indefinitely suspended the credential of occupational therapist assistant Ashley J. Wiggins (OC00001165). Wiggins billed her employer for five hours of work that she never performed.

In October 2008 the Nursing Assistant Program indefinitely suspended the credential of Gideon M. Karinga (NA00182577). Karinga did not follow directions in a patient care plan, putting that patient at risk of harm.

In September 2008 the Emergency Medical Services and Trauma System Program indefinitely suspended the credential of paramedic Rebecca Singley (00110874). Singley diverted several drugs for her personal use, tampered with drugs, and used drugs while employed at the Spokane Fire Department. She was also convicted of felony possession of controlled substances.

In October 2008 the Registered Counselor Program indefinitely suspended the credential of Sharon I. Thomas (RC00056502). Thomas failed to comply with previous terms set against her credential.

In October 2008 the Nursing Assistant Program suspended the credential of Brenda Kay Waters (NA00038402). Waters pleaded guilty to third degree theft. She stole more than $21,000 from a patient. She can no longer care for elderly or vulnerable adults.

In October 2008 the Nursing Assistant Program indefinitely suspended the credential of Adam D. Eakin (NC10094157). Eakin failed to comply with previous terms set against his credential.

In September 2008 the Nursing Commission indefinitely suspended the license of registered nurse Carol Jung (RN00077208). Jung, formerly known as Carol Huff, spoke sharply and physically grabbed a patient. She also delayed giving a patient their medication and also gave an additional dose of medication to a patient without physician approval.

In October 2008 the Licensed Mental Health Counselor Program suspended the credential of Norman S. Nickle (LH00004979). Nickle entered into a sexual relationship with a client.

In October 2008 the Secretary of Health withdrew the statement of charges against nursing assistant applicant Christine M. Rutherford (NA00200406).

In September 2008 the Nursing Commission indefinitely suspended the license of licensed practical nurse Michel A. Thompson (LP00036653). Thompson failed to comply with previous terms set against his license.

California: In October 2008 the Nursing Commission indefinitely suspended the license of registered nurse Shelly Sturman (RN00130784). Sturman’s license to practice as a registered nurse in California was suspended for one year, followed by four years of probation. She’s also known as Shelly MacLellan.

Idaho: In September 2008 the Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery Board indefinitely suspended the license of Carlos W. Bond (OP00001666). Bond used patients to obtain hydrocodone prescriptions for himself. He also surrendered his Idaho medical license.

Montana: In October 2008 the Medical Commission accepted the license surrender of Paul W. Anderson (MD00033126). Anderson cannot practice medicine in Washington. He also surrendered his license to practice medicine in Nebraska to the Nebraska Department of Health.

Oregon: In September 2008 the Medical Commission summarily suspended the license of Christopher Cowan (MD00036973). Cowan is prohibited from practicing medicine in Oregon.

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