For immediate release: December 31, 2009  (09-205)

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OLYMPIA - The Washington State Department of Health has taken disciplinary actions or withdrawn charges against health care providers in our state.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

Chelan
Clark
Grant
King
Okanogan
Pierce
Snohomish
Spokane
Whitman
Out of State

In October 2009 the Chemical Dependency Professional Program denied the application of Ronald S. Hedin (CP60078277). He had sexual intercourse with a patient.

In November 2009 the Health Care Assistant Program granted the application of Amy L. Hanson (HC60077214) and placed her license on probation for two years. She was convicted of rendering criminal assistance, and must comply with terms and conditions set against her license.

In December 2009 the Medical Commission reprimanded physician Houng T. Luu (MD00030582) and placed his license on probation. He prescribed medication without the proper authorization. He must comply with terms and conditions set against his license.

In November 2009 the Nursing Assistant Program charged certified nursing assistant Anissa R. Whiteman (NC10047241) with unprofessional conduct. She was convicted of unlawful issuance of a bank check on more than one occasion.

In November 2009 the Chiropractic Commission reprimanded chiropractor Theodore Clark (CH00002219). He billed patients’ insurance companies for massage therapy said to be performed by Dr. Clark but was actually performed by massage therapists affiliated with Dr. Clark’s office. He must comply with terms and conditions set against his license.

In November 2009 the Registered Counselor Program granted the application of Dustin William Doerflinger (RC60081535) and placed his registration on probation for two years. He was convicted of assault and attempted violation of the uniform controlled substances act — possess oxycodone. He must comply with terms and conditions set against his registration.

In December 2009 the Secretary of Health charged physician Terrill L. Harrington (MD00038084) with unprofessional conduct. He allegedly had a sexual relationship with a patient.

In December 2009 the Medical Commission placed the license of physician John K. Hsiang (MD00035032) on probation. He performed a wrong-level spinal surgery on a patient, and failed to inform the patient or the patient’s neurologist of the wrong-level surgery. He must comply with terms and conditions set against his license.

In November 2009 the Medical Commission charged physician Charles W. Huffine (MD00013207) with unprofessional conduct. He allegedly treated a patient below the standard of care, and created an unreasonable risk of harm or death to the patient.

In December 2009 the Registered Counselor Program entered into an agreed order with David J. Kost (RC00053913). He tested positive for morphine, codeine, and buprenorphine in a urinalyses given by his place of employment. He must comply with terms and conditions set against his registration.

In November 2009 the Board of Physical Therapy released physical therapist Eli N. Lambert (PT00008627) from terms and conditions set against his license.

In November 2009 the Registered Counselor Program granted the application of Lalisa A. McDonald (RC60072180) and placed her registration on probation for two years. She was convicted of assault, and unlawful possession of a firearm. She must comply with terms and conditions set against her registration.

In December 2009 the Health Care Assistant Program granted the application of Laura Lena Miller (HC60068282) 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.

In November 2009 the Registered Counselor Program granted the license application of Patricia A. Murphy (RC60041774) and placed terms and conditions against her registration for two years. She was convicted of 12 felony counts.

In November 2009 the Licensed Mental Health Counselor Program denied the application of Jamie L. Rettinger (LH00011358). She practiced counseling without being credentialed, and engaged in an inappropriate relationship with a patient.

In November 2009 the Nursing Assistant Program granted the application of certified nursing assistant Brian Allen Rucci (NC60092049) and placed conditions on his certification. He was convicted of driving under the influence on more than one occasion and must comply with conditions on his certification.

In December 2009 the Secretary of Health charged physician Sjardo Siardus L. Steneker (MD00032063) with unprofessional conduct. He allegedly had sexual relationships with several patients and former patients.

In November 2009 the Board of Pharmacy terminated the order of probation against pharmacist Gail R. Ware (PH00009988).

In November 2009 the Nursing Assistant Program granted the application of Eileen Dorothy Anderson (NA60115441) and placed her registration on probation for two years. Her license to practice as a licensed practical nurse was indefinitely suspended. She must also comply with terms and conditions set against her registration.

In October 2009 the Nursing Assistant Program denied the application of certified nursing assistant Cynthia Ann Ball (NC60043104). She was convicted of theft for taking a diamond and a watch from two different patients.

In November 2009 the Nursing Assistant Program granted the application of Christina M. Hernandez (NA60092373) and placed conditions against her registration. She was convicted of burglary. She must comply with terms and conditions set against her registration.

In November 2009 the Nursing Assistant Program charged certified nursing assistant Marcel A. Reaves (NC10059506) with unprofessional conduct. He was convicted of assault.

In December 2009 the Nursing Assistant Program charged certified nursing assistant Jan M. Myers (NC10074312) with unprofessional conduct. Her license to practice as a health care assistant was suspended in 2008.

Spokane County

In November 2009 the Health Care Assistant Program entered into an agreed order with Shannon B. Belisle (HC00154966). She failed to comply with previous terms and conditions on her license. She must comply with new terms and conditions on her license.

In November 2009 the Nursing Commission reinstated the license of registered nurse J. Michael Munoz Flores (RN00133870) and placed his license on probation. He must comply with terms and conditions set against his license.

In December 2009 the Health Care Assistant and Nursing Assistant Programs placed the license and certification of certified nursing assistant Karen E. Henderson (HC00145929, NC10081756) on probation for two years. She was convicted of assault, driving under the influence, and possession of a legend drug. She failed to report her convictions to the Department of Health. She must comply with terms and conditions set against her license and certification.

In November 2009 the Board of Osteopathic Medicine released Jeffrey R. Jamison (OP00001523) from terms and conditions set against his license.

In November 2009 the Massage Therapist Program terminated the order of probation against Gail Wayne Tackett (MA60027133).

Mississippi: In November 2009 the Nursing Commission reinstated the license of registered nurse Ann N. Martin (RN00154468) and placed her license on probation. She must comply with terms and conditions set against her license.

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.

###