State Disciplines Health Care Providers

OLYMPIA, Wash., Feb. 13 -- The Washington state Department of Health issued the following news release:

The Washington State Department of Health has taken disciplinary actions or withdrawn charges against health care providers in our state.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 Division 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 website. 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. Clallam County

In January 2012 the Nursing Commission charged registered nurse Karren M. Campbell (RN00069981) with unprofessional conduct. She was convicted of theft of government funds.

In January 2012 the Nursing Assistant Program charged certified nursing assistant Zeta M. Guerrero (NC10073178), also known as Zeta M. Johnson, with unprofessional conduct. She allegedly stole at least 30-40 hydrocodone pills belonging to a patient. She was convicted of theft.

In January 2012 the Nursing Assistant Program charged registered nursing assistant Ashley N. McElwee (NA60128610) with unprofessional conduct. She entered into a plea agreement for the charges of six counts of possession of a controlled substance, one count of unlawful possession of a legend drug, and theft. She allegedly failed to respond to Department of Health inquiries regarding the charges.

In January 2012 the Chemical Dependency Professional Program charged chemical dependency professional William Sarna (CP00006278) with unprofessional conduct. He allegedly failed to comply with terms and conditions set against his license.

In January 2012 the Chemical Dependency Professional Program granted the application of chemical dependency professional trainee Kaya Maraya Silkiss-Hero (CO60254921) and placed her certification on probation for two years. She was convicted of conspiracy to deliver controlled substance -- marijuana. She must comply with terms and conditions set against her certification.

Clark County

In January 2012 the Counselor Program granted the application of agency affiliated counselor Thomas Harry Eaton (CG60253733) and placed his registration on probation for three years. He was convicted of driving while license suspended or revoked, operating a vehicle without ignition interlock, possession of a controlled substance -- methamphetamine, obstructing law enforcement, malicious mischief, telephone harassment, and two counts of driving under the influence.

In January 2012 the <org>Board of Pharmacy reprimanded pharmacist James E. McConkey (PH00056030). He pleaded guilty to theft.

Cowlitz County

In December 2011 the Nursing Assistant Program denied the application of certified nursing assistant applicant Judith Lopez-Elizondo (NC60246287). She was convicted of four counts of driving under the influence, and driving while license suspended.

Grays Harbor County

In January 2012 the Counselor Program charged agency affiliated counselor Vernon C. Armstrong (CG60155940) with unprofessional conduct. Allegations include allowing a client to move into his home, making inappropriate comments to the client, touching the client inappropriately, failing to provide patient records upon request, and failing to provide a written statement regarding the complaint. In July 2011, a sexual abuse protection order was also entered against him.

Island County

In January 2012 the Nursing Assistant Program charged certified nursing assistant Debra Metz (NC10039263) with unprofessional conduct. She allegedly picked up 14 prescriptions of 120 tablets of hydrocodone for a patient, and either failed to document the prescriptions or took the prescriptions without permission. She also allegedly failed to respond to Department of Health inquiries about the allegations.

King County

In January 2012 the Dental Commission entered into an agreed order with dentist John Brewster Bede (DE00005217). The care he provided fell below the standard when treating patients and keeping adequate records of treatment. He also failed to provide patient records upon request. He must comply with terms and conditions set against his license.

In January 2012 the Nursing Assistant Program granted the application of certified nursing assistant Biniam Beraki Belay (NC60223264) and placed his certification on probation for two years. He entered into an agreement to continue case for dismissal or amendment of charge of assault. He must comply with terms and conditions set against his certification.

In January 2012 the Nursing Assistant Program charged registered nursing assistant Monique A. Gilbert (NA60100708) with unprofessional conduct. She allegedly failed to comply with terms and conditions set against her registration.

In January 2012 the Nursing Assistant Program denied the application of registered nursing assistant applicant Lavern C. Kidd (NA60110825). She was convicted of possession of marijuana and obstructing a public officer. She failed to appear at a pre-hearing conference regarding her registration.

In January 2012 the Medical Commission amended the statement of charges against physician Jeong H. Kim (MD00036606). He allegedly made inappropriate comments, touched patients' inappropriately during examinations, and sexual contact without wearing gloves.

In January 2012 the Dental Commission charged dentist Neville W. Richter (DE00005047) with unprofessional conduct. Allegations include failing to keep adequate records, failing to prepare restorative prosthetics because he failed to address and take into consideration a patient's condition, and failed to properly assess the performance of the patient's provisional's prior to final restoration.

In December 2011 the Nursing Assistant Program denied the application of registered nursing assistant applicant Tewabech Maru Tekle (NA60110534). She was convicted of theft and failed to disclose the conviction on her application.

Pacific County

In January 2012 the Nursing Assistant Program ended the probation order against registered and certified nursing assistant Wesley Dean Hartwell (NA60152257, NC60200744).

Pierce County

In January 2012 the Dental Commission charged dental assistant Amanda C. Knight (D160068455) with unprofessional conduct. She was convicted of murder, two counts of robbery, two counts of assault, and burglary.

In December 2012 the Board of Hearing and Speech denied the application of audiologist applicant Valerie Ann McGuire (LD60248733). She was convicted of driving under the influence on two occasions.

Snohomish County

In January 2012 the Radiologic Technologist Program charged Gregory D. Horenstein (RT00001986) with unprofessional conduct. He allegedly is unable to practice with reasonable skill and safety.

In January 2012 the Chemical Dependency Professional Program released chemical dependency professional trainee Lisa Lynn Hussey (CO60108948) from terms and conditions set against her certification.

Spokane County

In January 2012 the Health Care Assistant Program released Clint Wayne Mason (HC60190930) from terms and conditions set against his license.

In January 2012 the Nursing Assistant Program charged registered and certified nursing assistant Vivian E. Woods (NA60075139, NC60081019) with unprofessional conduct. She allegedly appeared to be intoxicated at work and tested positive for alcohol on two employer-requested drug tests.

Thurston County

In January 2012 the Nursing Assistant Program granted the application of certified nursing assistant John Daniel Koelker (NC60256799) and placed his certification on probation until April 20, 2012. He entered into an agreed order against his registration to practice as a nursing assistant. He must comply with terms and conditions set against his certification.

Yakima County

In January 2012 the Nursing Commission charged licensed practical nurse and registered nurse Betsy Ann Raap (LP00040265, RN00110272) with unprofessional conduct. She allegedly diverted drugs and/or failed to properly account for medication withdrawn from drug dispensing stations.

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