For immediate release: January 30, 2007 (07-016)

Contact:
Media inquiries: Deanna Mill, Communications Office 360-236-4022
Public inquiries: Health Professions 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OLYMPIA • The Washington State Department of Health has taken disciplinary actions or withdrawn charges against health care providers in our state.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 Professions Quality Assurance Office works with boards, commissions, and advisory committees to set licensing standards for 57 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 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.

In December 2006 the Nursing Assistant Program charged nursing assistant Mary S. Benavides (NC10011913) with unprofessional conduct. She was convicted of violating a domestic violence order and protection orders.

In December 2006 the Nursing Assistant Program charged Warner J. Scott, an applicant to practice as a nursing assistant (CA00046602), with unprofessional conduct. He was convicted of minor in possession, burglary and unlawfully displaying a weapon.

In December 2006 the Nursing Assistant Program charged nursing assistant Jennifer L. Graham (NC10081039) with unprofessional conduct. She was convicted of unlawfully issuing bank checks.

In December 2006 the Nursing Assistant Program charged nursing assistant Vali D. Griffin (NC10089799) with unprofessional conduct. Allegations against her include stealing $40 from a patient.

In December 2006 the Registered Counselor and Chemical Dependency Professional Programs charged Belinda J. Thompson, a registered counselor and chemical dependency professional (RC00039585, CP00004140), with unprofessional conduct. Allegations against her include working while under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol.

In December 2006 the Pharmacy Board charged pharmacist Ronald J. Cahill (PH00010293) with unprofessional conduct. He allegedly failed to comply with the terms and conditions of a prior order.

In December 2006 the Nursing Assistant Program charged Tania E. Toro, an applicant to practice as a nursing assistant (CA00046058), with unprofessional conduct. Toro was convicted of assault and minor in possession.

In December 2006 the Nursing Commission charged Michael Byrd, a licensed practical nurse (LP00049340), with unprofessional conduct. He altered documentation or made a medication error.

In December 2006 the Medical Commission withdrew a statement of charges against physician Larry L. Kovachevich (MD00025067).

In December 2006 the Nursing Assistant Program charged nursing assistant Dianne Lamery (NC10039663) with unprofessional conduct. She was convicted of attempted theft.

In December 2006 the Nursing Assistant Program charged Melissa J. Link, an applicant to practice as a nursing assistant (CA00047481), with unprofessional conduct. She was found guilty of theft.

In December 2006 the Pharmacy Board granted the request of David J. Weller for reinstatement of his pharmacist license (PH00009143).

In December 2006 the Nursing Assistant Program charged nursing assistant Ernest A. Schaef (NC10021916) with unprofessional conduct. He was convicted of three counts of assault.

In December 2006 the Nursing Assistant Program charged Lisa M. Neaman, (CA00046290) an applicant to practice as a nursing assistant, with unprofessional conduct. She pled guilty to theft. Lisa M. Neaman is also known as Lisa M. Caldwell.

In December 2006 the Nursing Assistant Program charged Jessica M. Degunya, an applicant to practice as a nursing assistant (CA00046773), with unprofessional conduct. She was convicted of criminal trespass and theft.

In December 2006 the Nursing Assistant Program charged Peggy Jacobs, a nursing assistant (NA00146399), with unprofessional conduct. She allegedly failed to comply with terms and conditions against her license.

In December 2006 the Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Licensed Mental Health Counselor Programs placed the license of Ann MacGowan, a marriage and family therapist and mental health counselor (LF00002080, LH00006172), on a stayed suspension for two years. She must comply with terms and conditions. MacGowan had a social or romantic relationship with a client.

In December 2006 the Pharmacy Board charged Heather M. Quiton, an applicant to practice as a pharmacy assistant (CA00065097), with unprofessional conduct. Using the name Heather Johnson, she was convicted of unlawful possession of a controlled substance, reckless driving and not having a valid license.

In December 2006 the Registered Counselor Program charged Kimberly D. Sims, an applicant to practice as a registered counselor (CA00008203), with unprofessional conduct. She was convicted of assault.

In December 2006 the Nursing Assistant Program charged Gabamel O. Saurez, an applicant to practice as a nursing assistant (CA00045082), with unprofessional conduct. His Nevada nursing license was revoked for fondling a patient» s genitals.

In January 2007 the Nursing Assistant Program denied the application of Erika L. Ibarra to practice as a nursing assistant (CA00046082). She may not reapply for five years. Ibarra pled guilty to assault and disorderly conduct.

In December 2006 the Registered Counselor Program denied the application of Tina M. Johnson to practice as a registered counselor (CA00008473). She may not reapply for two years from her last conviction. Johnson was convicted of driving with a revoked license, driving with a suspended license and theft.

In December 2006 the Health Care Assistant Program modified an order against Catherine D. Castor, a health care assistant (HC00128663). Her certificate is placed on a stayed suspension for one year and she must comply with terms and conditions. Castor represented herself as a nurse and performed duties requiring a nursing license.

In December 2006 the Nursing Assistant Program charged nursing assistant Bethany D. Dyczon (NA00141056) with unprofessional conduct. She was convicted of malicious mischief and two counts of domestic violence.

In December 2006 the Licensed Social Worker Program withdrew a statement of charges against Thomas C. Stebbins (LW00004422).

In December 2006 the Nursing Commission charged registered nurse Joan E. Ogilvie with unprofessional conduct. She allegedly failed to comply with terms and conditions against her license.

In December 2006 the Registered Counselor Program charged Brittany Schill, an applicant to practice as a registered counselor (CA00008530), with unprofessional conduct. She was convicted of attempted forgery.

Idaho: In December 2006 the Nursing Assistant Program reinstated the certification of Fallon N. Stout to practice as a nursing assistant in Washington (NC10078622).

Oregon: In December 2006 the Medical Commission charged Michael H. Jenkins, a physician licensed in Washington (MD00017704), with unprofessional conduct. His Oregon and California medical licenses were suspended in 2006.

Pennsylvania: In December 2006 the Nursing Commission charged Wendi Sismondo, a registered nurse licensed in Washington (RN00141273), with unprofessional conduct. She allegedly diverted controlled substances from her workplace for her own use.

Texas: In December 2006 the Medical Commission withdrew a statement of charges against Mounir Mekhail, a physician licensed in Washington (MD00026326).

Note to Editors: Health care providers charged with unprofessional conduct have 20 days to respond to 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.

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