State revokes, suspends licenses, certifications, registrations of health care providers - 11/23/2009

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 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 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.

Chelan County

In September 2009 the Health Care Assistant Program indefinitely suspended the credential of Angela K. Schauer (HCA.HC.00146162). Schauer was convicted of fourth degree assault and possession of a controlled substance.

Clark County

In August 2009 the Nursing Assistant Program suspended the credential of Jennifer M. Earl (NAR.NA.00164677). Earl forged several checks in her grandmother’s name and the Department of Social and Health Services found she had exploited the grandmother.

In August 2009 the Nursing Commission indefinitely suspended the license of registered nurse Tamara Sue Sharp (RN00137834). Sharp’s license to practice nursing in Oregon was indefinitely suspended for failing to cooperate during an investigation.

In August 2009 the Nursing Commission suspended the license of licensed practical nurse Patricia A. Viles (LP00055508). Viles made a medication error and a patient died.

King County

In August 2009 the Nursing Commission summarily suspended the license of registered nurse Aaron N. Casagranda (RN.RN.00156590). Casagranda’s license to practice nursing in Pennsylvania was suspended, and he remains prohibited from practicing there. In October 2009 the commission indefinitely suspended his license.

In July 2009 the Pharmacy Board accepted the license surrender of pharmacist Milton W. Cheung (PH00010094). Cheung’s conduct included fraud, theft, and possession of legend drugs that had not been legally prescribed to him.

In July 2009 the Nursing Commission lifted the summary suspension and imposed conditions on the license of registered nurse Raynee Frederick (RN60001541). Her license to practice in Louisiana was suspended.

In August 2009 the Nursing Commission indefinitely suspended the license of Denise Ann McGuire (RN.RN.00162004). McGuire was convicted of two counts of obtaining a controlled substance by fraud in Florida. She was also convicted of two counts of forgery.

In July 2009 the Dental Commission withdrew the statement of charges against dentist Paul R. Sauvage (DE00006335).

Kitsap County

In September 2009 the Chemical Dependency Professional Program indefinitely suspended the credential of Patricia L. Belcher (CP0000936). Belcher failed to comply with an order.

Mason County

In July 2009 the Pharmacy Board permanently revoked the credential of pharmacy technician Leah M. Key (PTEC.VA.00055434). Key diverted controlled substances from her place of employment up to 47 times.

In August 2009 the Nursing Assistant Program suspended the credential of Brandy N. Torrella (NAR.NA.00168094). Torrella was federally convicted of one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, one count of wire fraud, and one count of aggravated identity theft.

Okanogan County

In September 2009 the Unlicensed Practice Program ordered Lawrence D. Hooper to permanently cease and desist from engaging in any and all conduct constituting the practice of counseling in Washington. Hooper doesn’t hold a counselor credential in Washington.

Pierce County

In August 2009 the Denturist Program modified a prior order and suspended the credential of David J. Johnson (DENR.DN.00000169).

In July 2009 the Pharmacy Board permanently revoked the credential of pharmacy technician Jennifer L. Lake (PTEC.VA.00062699). Lake diverted drugs from her former place of employment.

In August 2009 the Nursing Assistant Program indefinitely suspended the credential of certified nursing assistant Michael S. Walker (NC10083089). Walker was convicted of two counts of harassment (bodily injury). He failed to respond to the department regarding the conviction.

In August 2009 the Physical Therapy Board suspended the license of physical therapist Nancy F. Wong (PT00002236). Wong’s company Second Wind Physical Therapy was convicted of two counts of federal health care fraud.

Snohomish County

In August 2009 the Veterinary Board indefinitely suspended the license of veterinarian Johannes Heiter-Krieger aka Jack Todd Hyder (VET.VT.00004401). Heiter-Krieger was found guilty of indecent acts with a female under the age of 16. He was also convicted of one count of second degree child molestation and second degree incest. His license to practice veterinary medicine in Oregon was revoked for these convictions.

In August 2009 the Massage Program indefinitely suspended the credential of Kimberly L. Robinson-Searles (MASS.MA.00017055). Robinson-Searles failed to comply with a previous order.

In August 2009 the Pharmacy Board indefinitely suspended the license of pharmacy assistant Jasper Townsend (PHAA.VB.00069427). Townsend failed to comply with a previous order.

Whatcom County

In August 2009 the Chiropractic Commission suspended the credential of chiropractor Nicolas J. Constantin (CHIR.CH.00034646). Constantin was convicted of fourth degree domestic violence assault and violating a no contact order. He also admitted to a department investigator that he misused alcohol and controlled substances, including black tar heroin.

In August 2009 the Licensed Mental Health Counselor Program indefinitely suspended the credential of Eric R. Johnson (LH00003649). Johnson had a romantic relationship with a patient.

In August 2009 the Registered Counselor Program suspended the credential of Frances Salinas Gonzalez (RC.RC.00024442) for two years. Gonzalez was convicted of solicitation to obtain a controlled substance by fraud.

Alaska: In September 2009 the Medical Commission indefinitely suspended the license of physician Marc D. Pellicciaro (MD00036813). Pellicciaro surrendered his license to practice medicine in Alaska to the Alaska State Medical Board during an investigation of drug abuse.

Arizona: In July 2009 the Nursing Commission indefinitely suspended the license of registered nurse Susan F. Knight (RN00171182). Conditions were placed on Knight’s Oregon license to practice nursing.

Canada

: In August 2009 the Medical Commission summarily suspended the license of physician Carlos D. Huerto (MD00020174). Huerto license to practice medicine in Canada was revoked for sexual misconduct, standard of care violation, and misrepresentation.

Nevada: In August 2009 the Nursing Commission indefinitely suspended the license of registered nurse Victoria Noelle Secreriat (RN00087678). Secreriat’s license to practice nursing in Nevada was placed on probation.

Oregon: In August 2009 the Medical Commission continued the indefinite license suspension of physician Mark Gearhart (MD00019315). Gearhart’s license to practice in Oregon was placed on inactive status pending an investigation of inappropriate care resulting in patient death.

Oregon: In August 2009 the Nursing Commission indefinitely suspended the license of licensed practical nurse Gloria D. Rodli (LPN.LP.00013913). Rodli voluntarily surrendered her license to practice nursing in Oregon.