For immediate release: February 1, 2010 (10-018)

Contacts:
Michael L. Farrell, Medical Quality Assurance Commission 509-329-2186
Gordon MacCracken, Communications Office 360-236-4072

Physician suspended after violating agreement to stop practicing
King County doctor had agreed to undergo substance abuse evaluation, treatment

OLYMPIA ¾ The Medical Quality Assurance Commission has immediately suspended the license of Woodinville physician Virginia Stevens (MD00030208). Charging papers say Stevens violated an agreement that she would not practice until she completes substance abuse evaluation and treatment while other concerns about her practice were being addressed.

Stevens continued to telephone prescriptions to pharmacies even though she had pledged not to practice medicine until the commission agreed she was safe to practice. Prescribing medication to patients constitutes the practice of medicine.

The prescribing violations heightened concerns about Stevens’ judgment and led the commission to formally suspend her even though she had previously agreed not to practice.

Legal documents in this case are available by calling 360-236-4700 or online by clicking the link to “Provider Credential Search” on the agency home page (www.doh.wa.gov).

The Medical Quality Assurance Commission protects and promotes public health, safety, and welfare in Washington by regulating physicians’ and physician assistants’ competency and quality. The commission develops rules, policies, and procedures to promote delivery of high-quality health care to state residents.

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