For immediate release: October 27, 2009  (09-171)

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OLYMPIA - The Washington State Department of Health has taken disciplinary actions or withdrawn charges against health care providers in our state.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

Clark
Grant
King
Kitsap
Lincoln
Pierce
Skagit
Snohomish
Spokane
Thurston
Whatcom
Out of State

Clark County

In August 2009 the Registered Counselor Program granted the application of Deborah C. Clark (RC60061458) and placed her registration on probation for two years. She was convicted of theft on more than one occasion, and conspiracy to commit possession of a controlled substance — methamphetamine hydrochloride. She must comply with terms and conditions set against her registration.

In August 2009 the Nursing Assistant Program reinstated the registration of Angela L. Manasco (NA00105995).

Grant County

In July 2009 the Board of Pharmacy denied the license of pharmacy assistant Anissa Renea Whiteman (VB60049105). She was convicted of unlawful issuance of a bank check on more than one occasion.

King County

In August 2009 the Nursing Assistant Program granted the application of Kaleb W. Asefa (NA00201377) and placed conditions against his registration. He must comply with terms and conditions set against his registration.

In August 2009 the Registered Counselor Program terminated the order of probation against Florence W. Greff (RC00003333).

In August 2009 the Nursing Commission terminated the order of probation against registered nurse Erika Moorhouse (RN00118811).

In August 2009 the Nursing Assistant Program reinstated the certification of certified nursing assistant Larita A. Nunnery (NC10066313).

In August 2009 the Board of Massage granted the application of Sonia S. Raines (MA60099753) and placed her license on probation for two years. She was convicted of theft and must comply with terms and conditions set against her license.

In August 2009 the Nursing Assistant Program charged Terri L. Stecher (NA00146311) with unprofessional conduct. She allegedly used her grandmother’s money for her own benefit while having power of attorney over her grandmother’s assets.

In August 2009 the Nursing Commission charged registered nurse Kimberly J. Taylor (RN00083073) with unprofessional conduct. She allegedly failed to comply with terms and conditions set against her license.

Kitsap County

In August 2009 the Chemical Dependency Professional Program charged Patricia Belcher (CP00000936) with unprofessional conduct. She allegedly failed to comply with an order issued by the program.

In September 2009 the Registered Counselor Program granted the application of Theresa Lynette Glaser (RC60057983) and placed her registration on probation for two years. She was convicted of criminal possession of drug paraphernalia, and criminal possession of dangerous drugs. She must comply with terms and conditions set against her registration.

Lincoln County

In August 2009 the Nursing Assistant Program charged certified nursing assistant Michele L. Henderson (NC10048147) with unprofessional conduct. She was convicted of using drug paraphernalia, and possession of a controlled substance other than marijuana — methamphetamine.

In August 2009 the Nursing Assistant Program denied the application of Leah M. Spitzer (NA60058156). She was convicted of theft.

Pierce County

In August 2009 the Registered Counselor Program granted the application of Theresa Michelle Stach (RC60077297) and placed her registration on probation for three years. She was convicted of possession of cocaine, and unlawful possession of a controlled substance — methamphetamine. She must comply with terms and conditions set against her registration.

In August 2009 the Nursing Assistant Program charged Brandy L. Ternes (NA00186976) with unprofessional conduct. She allegedly tested positive for marijuana.

Skagit County

In August 2009 the Registered Counselor Program granted the application of Tonya L. Chandler (RC60095797) and placed her registration on probation for two years. She was convicted of driving while intoxicated, and possession of a controlled substance. She must comply with terms and conditions set against her registration.

In August 2009 the Emergency Medical Services and Trauma System Program charged emergency medical services technician George H. Henderson (ES00130525) with unprofessional conduct. He was convicted of a domestic violence protection order violation. He allegedly violated the protection and no-contact orders, and was charged with two counts of violation of a no-contact order.

Snohomish County

In August 2009 the Emergency Medical Services and Trauma System Program released emergency medical technician Curtis J. Storer (ES01178422) from terms and conditions set against his license.

Spokane County

In August 2009 the Unlicensed Practice Program issued a notice of intent to issue a cease and desist order to Paul T. Armstrong. He allegedly represented himself as a registered nurse while applying for a position as a registered nurse.

In August 2009 the Nursing Assistant Program charged certified nursing assistant Jean Demmer (NC10082727) with unprofessional conduct. She allegedly failed to respond to department inquiries about her alleged conduct.

In September 2009 the Nursing Assistant Program charged Kerstin A. Zimmerman (NA00189688) with unprofessional conduct. She allegedly stole $25 from a patient’s purse, stole a patient’s ring, and failed to respond to department inquiries about the allegations.

Thurston County

In September 2009 the Nursing Assistant Program charged Michelle S. Davis (NA00195660) with unprofessional conduct. After signing out Vicodin for patients, she allegedly failed to administer or return the drugs to the medicine cabinet.

In August 2009 the Dental Commission charged dentist Sherilyn V. Malloy (DE00006693) with unprofessional conduct. She allegedly failed to refer a patient to an oral surgeon after complications arose while performing a tooth extraction.

Whatcom County

In August 2009 the Nursing Commission denied the application of licensed practical nurse Joel W. Ross (LP60030058). The Department of Social and Health Services issued an order finding that he exploited a vulnerable adult for his own financial gain.

Out of State

Florida:

In August 2009 the Nursing Commission reinstated the license of registered nurse Donna E. Werner (RN00093054) and placed her license on probation. She must comply with terms and conditions set against her license.

Oregon:

In August 2009 the Nursing Commission placed the license of registered nurse and advanced registered nurse practitioner Connie M. Davis (RN00143881, AP30006113) on probation until her Oregon license is fully reinstated. Her license to practice as a registered nurse in Oregon was revoked due to practicing outside her scope of practice. She must comply with terms and conditions set against her licenses.

Oregon:

In July 2009 the Respiratory Care Program denied the application of Mark William Stouffer (LR60091850). His license to practice as a respiratory care practitioner in California was revoked.

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.