For immediate release: December 17, 2007 (07-217)

Contact:
Media inquiries: Allison Cook, Communications Office 360-236-4022
Public inquiries: Health Professions Customer Service  360-236-4700

State revokes, suspends licenses, certifications, registrations of health care providers

OLYMPIA ¾ 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 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’s 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.

In November 2007 the Medical Commission placed the license of Robert L. Schneider (MD00030677) on stayed suspension for five years. He has to comply with conditions including restrictions on prescribing controlled substances. He failed to appropriately manage the care of several chronic pain patients.

In November 2007 the Registered Counselor Program revoked the credential of Servando Jasso (RC00014566). Jasso sexually abused his daughters and had previously been disciplined for sexual contact with a vulnerable client.

In December 2007 the Medical Commission modified the summary action against physician David T. Earl (MD00028611) to allow him to practice subject to certain restrictions. He cannot prescribe controlled substances and he cannot supervise physician’s assistants. He was summarily suspended in October 2007 for over prescribing.

In November 2007 the Registered Counselor and Chemical Dependency Professional Programs suspended the credentials of Estela Yarrito (RC00029261 and CP00003751). Yarrito falsified urine test results for three patients. She cannot reapply for reinstatement for three years.

In November 2007 the Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Program suspended the credential of Jerome G. Rosen (LF00001406). Rosen was sexually involved with a patient. He cannot reapply for reinstatement for two years.

In November 2007 the Nursing Assistant Program revoked the credential of nursing assistant Latricia A. Ballard (NC10043646). Ballard physically abused a patient.

In November 2007 the Department of Health suspended the credentials of nursing assistant and massage therapist Heather D. Francis (NC10033500 and MA00017901). Francis failed to comply with a child support order. She is also known as Heather Robinson.

In November 2007 the Nursing Commission indefinitely suspended the license of registered nurse Pamela Jorgenson (RN00074576). Jorgenson forged several prescriptions to obtain narcotics for her own use.

In November 2007 the licensed social worker counselor program modified an order against Janis D. Knight (LW00006724). Knight permanently surrendered her credential to practice as a licensed social worker counselor in the state of Washington.

In November 2007 the Nursing Commission summarily suspended the credential of licensed practical nurse Jon J. Lohr (LP00057834). Lohr’s license to practice in Colorado was indefinitely suspended by the Colorado State Board of Nursing.

In November 2007 the Occupational Therapy Practice Program indefinitely suspended the credential of occupational therapist assistant Warren McPherson (OC00000182). McPherson’s license to practice as a registered nurse in Washington was indefinitely suspended.

In November 2007 the Nursing Commission suspended the license of registered nurse John K. Nyquist (RN00074519). Nyquist failed to comply with terms against his license.

In November 2007 the Nursing Assistant Program suspended the credential of Cornelius D. Powell (NA00167481). Powell failed to comply with terms set against his credential.

In November 2007 the Chiropractic Commission revoked the license of Lawrence P. Stanton (CH00002345). On several occasions, Stanton billed a patient for treatments that were never documented. He also failed to comply with previous terms set against his license.

In November 2007 the Medical Commission summarily suspended the license of physician William N. Kay (MD00040609). Kay’s license to practice medicine in Oregon was revoked.

In November 2007 the Nursing Commission suspended the license of licensed practical nurse Grace Armstrong-Whitley (LP00026301). Armstrong-Whitley failed to call a doctor after a patient’s blood glucose reading fell below a set level. The suspension is stayed if Armstrong-Whitely complies with terms and conditions set against her license.

In November 2007 the Chiropractic Commission indefinitely suspended the license of Todd B. Atkins (CH00002354). Atkins failed to comply with terms and conditions set against his license.

In November 2007 the Health Care Assistant Program suspended the credential of Barbara J. Brewer (HC00141309). Brewer failed to comply with terms set against her credential.

In November 2007 the Secretary of Health withdrew charges against denturist Kevin C. Kowalski (DN00000254).

In December 2007 the Nursing Assistant Program indefinitely suspended the credentials of William S. Irving (NA00160424). Irving failed to comply with a previous order.

In November 2007 the Nursing Assistant Program revoked the credential of Amanda J. Lorntson (NA00180290). Lorntson was convicted of possession of stolen property and assault.

In October 2007 the Secretary of Health withdrew charges of unlicensed practice against dentist Sherilyn Malloy (DE0006693).

In December 2007 the Nursing Assistant Program revoked the credential of Remedios S. Oliveros (NA00122321). Oliveros repeatedly failed to provide care to residents in her adult family home as directed by the patients’ physicians. The Washington Department of Social and Health Services revoked her license to operate her adult family home.

In October 2007 the Nursing Commission indefinitely suspended the license of licensed practical nurse Joey Sims (LP00040311). Sims failed to comply with a previous order.

In November 2007 the Department of Health suspended the credential of licensed mental health counselor Brent C. Potter (LH00007704). Potter failed to pay back his student loan.

In November 2007 the Nursing Assistant Program suspended the credential of Jenny M. Dove (NA00140029). Dove was convicted of third degree child assault. She is also known as Jennine Marie Dove.

Oregon: In November 2007 the Nursing Commission indefinitely suspended the license of registered nurse Elizabeth Lowry (RN00151225). Lowry’s credential to practice as a registered nurse was revoked by the Oregon state Board of Nursing.

Maine: In November 2007 the Medical Commission summarily suspended the license of physician Robert P. Andrews (MD00040645). Andrews voluntarily surrendered his license to practice medicine to the Maine Board of Licensure in Medicine.

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