For immediate release: November 10, 2009  (09-177)

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OLYMPIA - The Washington State Department of Health has taken disciplinary actions or withdrawn charges against health care providers in our state.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

Clark
Franklin
Jefferson
King
Kitsap
Pacific
Pierce
Skagit
Snohomish
Spokane
Thurston
Whatcom
Yakima
Out of State

In August 2009 the Nursing Commission reinstated the license of registered nurse Deborah (Gerbing) Childress (RN00141697) and placed her license on probation. She must comply with terms and conditions set against her license.

In September 2009 the Nursing Commission charged licensed practical nurse Lana M. Leveque (LP00044588) with unprofessional conduct. She allegedly failed to comply with terms and conditions set against her license.

In August 2009 the Board of Optometry removed practice restrictions against Kelly J. Cochrane (OD0001536) and placed his license on probation indefinitely. He must comply with terms and conditions set against his license.

In September 2009 the Medical Commission charged physician Robert H. Palmer (MD00023938) with unprofessional conduct. The care he provided allegedly failed to meet the standard while delivering a baby.

In September 2009 the Health Care Assistant Program reinstated the license of Victoria J. Graham (HC00141626).

In September 2009 the Board of Hearing and Speech granted the application of hearing instrument fitter/dispenser David Allen Hubbard (HA60072872) and placed conditions on his license. He was convicted of assault.

In September 2009 the Registered Counselor Program granted the application of Steven S. Ramey (RC60097836) and placed his registration on probation for three years. He was convicted of driving under the influence on more than one occasion, driving while license suspended on more than one occasion, possession of cocaine, theft, and attempted possession of stolen property. He must comply with terms and conditions set against his license.

In September 2009 the Health Care Assistant Program charged Amardeep Singh (HC00150093) with unprofessional conduct. She allegedly touched a patient inappropriately while the patient was recovering from surgery.

In September the Nursing Assistant Program granted the application of certified nursing assistant Rex E. Tan (NA60022001, NC60034911) and placed his registration and certification on probation for two years. He was convicted of attempted malicious mischief, and attempted theft. He must comply with terms and conditions set against his registration and certification.

In September 2009 the Massage Program charged Victor Vystotsky (MA00012691) with unprofessional conduct. He allegedly failed to comply with previous terms and conditions set against his license.

In September 2009 the Nursing Assistant Program charged Jamie L. Wright (NA00148647) with unprofessional conduct. She allegedly took money, and other property from a patient.

In September 2009 the Health Care Assistant Program terminated the order of probation against Shauna G. Phillips (HC00150084).

In September 2009 the X-Ray Technician Program charged Heather R. Weilert (XT00005491) with unprofessional conduct. She allegedly failed to comply with terms and conditions set against her license.

In August 2009 the Veterinary Board of Governors terminated the order of probation against veterinarian Gary L. Johnson (VT00001700).

In September 2009 the Licensed Mental Health Counselor Program charged Stephen Ruhl (LH00006345) with unprofessional conduct. He allegedly made sexual advances to a patient.

In August 2009 the Nursing Commission reinstated the license of Patricia S. Scheuffele (LP00049847) and placed conditions against her license. She must comply with terms and conditions set against her license.

In September 2009 the Nursing Commission charged registered nurse Russell G. Barnes (RN00142399) with unprofessional conduct. He allegedly failed to comply with terms and conditions set against his license.

In September 2009 the Registered Counselor Program granted the application of Damien J. Miller (RC60094437) and placed his registration on probation for two years. He was convicted of possession of dangerous drugs, theft, and possession of heroin on more than one occasion. He must comply with terms and conditions set against his registration.

In September 2009 the Medical Commission charged physician Chandra S. Reddy (MD00043121) with unprofessional conduct. He allegedly violated the standard of care while treating a patient, and inappropriately touched two patients.

In September 2009 the Chemical Dependency Professional Program released Nicole Marian Moodenbaugh (CP60025735) from terms and conditions set against her license.

In September 2009 the Nursing Assistant Program charged Jacqueline Morgan-Macauley (NA00162517) with unprofessional conduct. She allegedly diverted legend drugs for her own use.

In August 2009 the Nursing Commission reinstated the license of Karen C. Weems (RN00066682) and placed her license on probation. She must comply with terms and conditions set against her license

In September 2009 the Chiropractic Commission charged chiropractor Harry Charles Woodfield III (CH00034341) with unprofessional conduct. The North Carolina Board of Pharmacy disciplined him for diversion of drugs without a prescription. He allegedly failed to disclose the discipline on his application.

In September 2009 the Nursing Assistant Program reinstated the registration of Vanessa Renee Barrett (NA00087288).

In August 2009 the Nursing Commission reinstated the license of registered nurse Penni Hood Howell (RN00071259) and placed her license on probation for two years. She must comply with terms and conditions set against her license.

Texas: In August 2009 the Medical Commission denied the application of physician Charles F. Xeller (MD60011981). He hasn’t been in practice for about eight years and has multiple malpractice settlements against him.

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.