For immediate release: October 22, 2009 (09-167)
Contact: Media inquiries: Allison Cook,
Communications Office 360-236-4022
Public inquiries: Health Systems Customer Service
360-236-4700
State disciplines health care providers
OLYMPIA - The
Washington State Department of Health has taken disciplinary actions or
withdrawn charges against health care providers in our state.
The
departments 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 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
providers 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 County
In July 2009 the Medical Commission
released physician Geoffrey S. Ames (MD00026961) from terms and conditions set
against his license. Dr. Ames license is unrestricted.
In July 2009 the
Medical Commission charged physician John C. Perry (MD00025747) with
unprofessional conduct. He allegedly violated the standard of care while
treating patients.
In June 2009 the Health Care Assistant Program denied the
application of Nina M. Williams (HC00155223). She was convicted of attempted
theft.
Chelan County
In July 2009 the Dental Commission released
dentist David Stephen Larson (DE00004228) from terms and conditions set against
his license.
Cowlitz County
In July 2009 the Registered Counselor
Program terminated the order of probation against Olivia E. Lovely
(RC00023999).
Ferry County
In July 2009 the X-Ray Technician
Program charged Kirsten L. Schilling (XT00005869) with unprofessional conduct.
She allegedly failed to comply with terms and conditions on her license.
Island County
In July 2009 the Nursing Assistant Program charged
certified nursing assistant William J. Slater (NC10098536) with unprofessional
conduct. He was convicted of assault domestic violence, and allegedly failed
to follow a patients care plan resulting in patient harm. He also allegedly
failed to respond to department inquiries about the conviction and allegation.
Jefferson County
In July 2009 the Emergency Medical Technician
Program released Joseph J. Rodrigues (ES60033615) from terms and conditions set
against his license.
King County
In July 2009 the Dental
Commission released dentist Yonghwan Kim (DE00009083) from terms and conditions
set against his license.
In July 2009 the Dental Commission released
dentist Justin S. Lee (DE00009014) from terms and conditions set against his
license.
In July 2009 the Dental Commission charged dentist James R.
McAnally (DE00007153) with unprofessional conduct. The care he provided
allegedly fell below the standard while treating more than one patient. He also
allegedly placed an advertisement in the paper and failed to include his name.
In July 2009 the Dental Commission entered into an agreed order with dentist
William M. Sutton (DE00004138). The care he provided fell below the standard
while treating two patients. He must comply with terms and conditions set
against his license.
Kitsap County
In July 2009 the Dental
Commission granted the application of dental assistant Sharon R. Krauser
(D160030696) and placed her license on probation for four years. She was
convicted of child rape and child molestation and must comply with terms and
conditions against her license.
Mason County
In July 2009 the
Nursing Commission reinstated the license of registered nurse Dean P. DeMulling
(RN00085868).
In July 2009 the Nursing Assistant Program charged
Brandy
N. Torrella (NA00168094) with unprofessional conduct. She was convicted of
conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft. She
allegedly didnt respond to agency inquiries about the convictions.
Pierce County
In July 2009 the Registered Counselor Program charged
Cynthia J. Berry (RC00051466) with unprofessional conduct. She allegedly sold
one of her patients a car, and created a fraudulent bill of sale/contract.
In June 2009 the Nursing Assistant Program denied the application of Charron
D. Shinn (NA00076703). She was convicted of theft.
In July 2009 the
Registered Counselor and Sex Offender Treatment Provider Programs placed the
registration and certification of Lang Taylor (RC00006893, FC00000022)
on
probation for three years. He failed to provide timely and accurate quarterly
progress reports to the community corrections officer for three clients, and
provided a report for a client that was identical to the prior two reports. He
must comply with terms and conditions set against his registration and
certification.
Snohomish County
In July 2009 the Registered
Counselor Program granted the application of Heather A. Black-Coyne (RC60062703)
and placed her registration on probation for two years. She was convicted of
hindering prosecution, interfering with a police officer, and theft on more than
one occasion. She must comply with terms and conditions set against her
registration.
In July 2009 the Podiatric Medical Board released John H.
Brunsman (PO00000246) from the terms and conditions set against his license.
In July 2009 the Medical Commission released physician Jeffrey R. Merrill
(MD00032282) from terms and conditions set against his license. Dr. Merrills
license is unrestricted.
Spokane County
In July 2009 the Board of
Physical Therapy granted the application of physical therapist assistant Michael
W. Allen (P160041002) and placed conditions on his license. He was convicted of
reckless endangerment, physical control, and driving under the influence on more
than one occasion. He must comply with terms and conditions set against his
license.
In July 2009 the Nursing Assistant Program entered into an
agreed order with certified nursing assistant Jessie N. Bailey (NC10092611). She
used legend drugs without a prescription. She must comply with terms and
conditions set against her certification.
In July 2009 the Nursing
Assistant Program denied the reactivation request of Abbigail K. Cook
(NA00158529). She was convicted of driving under the influence, and failed to
respond to department inquiries about the conviction.In July 2009 the Registered
Counselor Program modified the agreed order against Deborah C. Olin (RC60039227)
and placed her registration on probation for three years. She must comply with
terms and conditions set against her registration.
Thurston County
In July 2009 the Health Care Assistant Program granted the application of
Alexander Charles Ewing (HC60062110) and placed his license on probation for
three years. He was convicted of vehicular homicide.
In July 2009 the
Hypnotherapy Program terminated the order of probation against Thomas J. Ward
(HP10001650).
Walla Walla County
In July 2009 the Medical
Commission placed the license of physician Dale T. Fetroe (MD00018950) on
probation for five years. He had a sexual relationship with a patient, and
prescribed medications to a patient without examining or keeping a medical
record or chart. He must comply with terms and conditions set against his
license.
Whatcom County
In July 2009 the Dental Commission
released dentist Edwin R. Thorp (DE00004724) from terms and conditions set
against his license.
Out of State
Alaska:
In July 2009 the Medical
Commission charged physician Marc D. Pellicciaro (MD00036813) with
unprofessional conduct. He voluntarily surrendered his license to practice as a
physician in the state of Alaska.
Oregon:
In July 2009 the Medical Commission
released physician Stanley B. Teplick (MD00032297) from terms and conditions set
against his license. Dr. Teplicks license is unrestricted.
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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