For immediate release: October 27, 2009  (09-170)

Contact:
Media inquiries: Allison Cook, Communications Office  360-236-4022
Public inquiries: Health Systems Customer Service      360-236-4700

OLYMPIA - The Washington State Department of Health has taken disciplinary actions or withdrawn charges against health care providers in our state.

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 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
King
Kitsap
Kittitas
Pacific
Pierce
Snohomish
Spokane
Thurston
Out of State

Benton County

In August 2009 the Health Care Assistant Program granted the application of Shane E. Thompson (HC60027034) and put his license on probation for three years. He was convicted of unlawful issuance of bank checks or drafts, and must comply with terms and conditions set against his license.
Chelan County

In August 2009 the Chiropractic Commission charged chiropractor Jason C. Schroeder (CH00003389) with unprofessional conduct. Allegations include billing for services not rendered, failing to keep adequate documentation of treatments, billing under his name when notes didn’t reflect who gave treatment, and failing to document explanations for number of treatments given.

Clark County

In August 2009 the Health Care Assistant Program charged Jenny L. Philbrook (HC00012045) with unprofessional conduct. She allegedly failed to respond to department inquiries about a report received by the department.

King County

In August 2009 the Registered Counselor Program entered into an agreed order with Edward E. Cale (RC00055440). He failed to comply with previous terms and conditions against his registration, was convicted of obstructing a law enforcement officer, and failed to notify the department of the conviction. He must comply with terms and conditions against his registration.

In August 2009 the Naturopathy Program released Mark D. Groven (NT00000649) from terms and conditions set against his license.

In August 2009 the Medical Commission amended the statement of charges against physician Geoffrey A. MacPherson (MD00011292). He allegedly made inappropriate sexual advances to the mothers of two different patients.

In August 2009 the Massage Therapy Program released Annie P. Powers (MA00024888) from terms and conditions set against her license.

In August 2009 the Medical Commission entered into an agreed order with physician Doane M. Rising (MD00034275) and placed her license on probation for three years. She had a sexual relationship with a patient, and failed to transfer the patients care to another provider. She must comply with terms and conditions set against her license.

In July 2009 the Nursing Assistant Program denied the application of Elizabeth A. Swedlund (NA60085157). She was convicted of possession of stolen property and attempted theft.

In August 2009 the Chiropractic Commission entered into an agreed order with chiropractor Islamuddin Wardak (CH00034030). He billed for adjustments and examinations that he failed to document in patient records. He must comply with terms and conditions set against his license.

Kitsap County

In July 2009 the Nursing Assistant Program denied the application of certified nursing assistant Jordan T. Henzel (NC60035641). He was convicted of delivery of marijuana.

In August 2009 the Registered Counselor Program released Donal M. Kavanaugh (RC00029625) from terms and conditions set against his registration.

Kittitas County

In August 2009 the Nursing Assistant Program granted the reactivation application of certified nursing assistant Toni D. Nelson (NC10068377) and put conditions on her certification. She was convicted of shoplifting and must comply with terms and conditions against her certification.

In August 2009 the Nursing Assistant Program granted the applications of certified nursing assistant Jacqueline A. Sharp (NA60037102, NC60037146) and placed her registration and certification on probation for two years. She was convicted of possession of stolen property, and must comply with terms and conditions set against her registration and certification.

Pacific County

In August 2009 the Registered Counselor Program charged Mel S. Gaines (RC00053460) with unprofessional conduct. Gaines allegedly entered into a sexual relationship with a patient.

Pierce County

In August 2009 the Medical Commission entered into an agreed order with physician Jose A. Garcia (MD00011694) and placed his license on probation for two years. He allowed unlicensed people to administer anesthesia, perform blood draws, and observe surgery without the patient’s consent. He must comply with terms and conditions set against his license.

In August 2009 the Nursing Assistant Program charged certified nursing assistant Chantile C. Sager (NA00198674, NC60038006) with unprofessional conduct. She allegedly failed to comply with terms and conditions set against her registration and certification.

In August 2009 the Medical Commission released physician Charles Lew (MD00025718) from terms and conditions set against his license. Dr. Lew’s license is unrestricted.

In August 2009 the Dental Commission granted the application of dental assistant Kim M. Shipman (D160087419) and placed her license on probation for two years. She was convicted of driving under the influence, and failed to disclose the conviction on her application. She must comply with terms and conditions set against her license.

Snohomish County

In August 2009 the Registered Counselor Program released Mark A. Davis (RC00051331) from terms and conditions set against his registration.

In August 2009 the Registered Counselor and Chemical Dependency Professional Programs charged Douglas W. Doll (RC00027398, CP0000386) with unprofessional conduct. He allegedly had a sexual relationship with a patient’s mother.

In August 2009 the Nursing Commission charged registered nurse Diana Louise Kennar (RN00058720) with unprofessional conduct. She allegedly failed to comply with an order for investigative mental examination.

Spokane County

In August 2009 the Nursing Assistant Program reinstated the registration of Kathy Ann Howell (NA00113186).

In August 2009 the Registered Counselor Program granted the application of Laura A. Bransford (RC60092060) and placed her registration on probation for two years. She was convicted on several criminal drug charges involving methamphetamine, including possession of a controlled substance, attempted possession of a controlled substance, and attempted manufacture of a controlled substance. She was also convicted of possession of stolen property on more than one occasion and must comply with terms and conditions against her registration.

Thurston County

In August 2009 the Registered Counselor and Chemical Dependency Professional Programs charged Ingrid Lenore Kail (RC00006614, CP00003033) with unprofessional conduct. She allegedly assessed a patient based on an unsubstantiated witness statement, failed to review documentary evidence to assess the patient, and failed to have a copy of the patient’s file while discussing the assessment with the patient.

Out of State

New York:

In July 2009 the X-Ray Technician Program denied the application of Maritza M. McConneghey (XT60026297). She failed to provide adequate proof of qualifications with her application.

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.