State Disciplines Health Care Providers

OLYMPIA, Wash., June 20 -- 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The Washington State Department of Health has taken disciplinary actions or withdrawn charges against health care providers in our state.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 "Look up a healthcare provider license" in the "How Do I?" section of the Department of Health website (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.

Adams County

In May 2012 the Dental Hygienist Program charged dental hygienist Angie Mendez (DH00006546) with unprofessional conduct for failing to comply with her substance abuse monitoring contract.

Chelan County

In April 2012 the Nursing Commission ended the probation order against registered nurse Hillary Ann Buechler (RN60105903).

Clallam County

In April 2012 the Massage Program granted the application of Rachel Lynn Wolf (MA60264825). Wolf must comply with terms and conditions set against her credential.

Franklin County

In May 2012 the Chemical Dependency Professional Program ended the probation order against chemical dependency professional trainee and chemical dependency professional Simon Stewart Tedrow (CO60164436, CP60215848).

King County

In April 2012 the Nursing Commission denied the application of registered nurse Heidi R. Gabhart (RN00138356). Gabhart failed to properly answer a question on her application about criminal prosecution or pending charges. She was convicted of third degree theft in 2012.

In April 2012 the Pharmacy Board reinstated the credential of pharmacy technician Xoa T. Oaks (VA00039372) and placed it on probation for three years. Oaks must comply with terms and conditions set against her credential.

In April 2012 the Dental Commission withdrew the August 2011 statement of charges against dentist H. Melvin Olson (DE00003488).

Pierce County

In April 2012 the Nursing Commission reinstated the license of registered nurse Sarah M. Bain (RN00161217). Bain must comply with terms and conditions set against her license.

In May 2012 the Medical Commission ended the suspension order against physician Jose A. Garcia (MD00011694) and placed his license on probation for three years.

In May 2012Nursing Commission charged licensed practical nurse Alison Marie Miller (LP60116883) with unprofessional conduct. Miller pleaded guilty to second degree and third degree assault charges in 2011. Her license is currently expired.

Kitsap County

In May 2012 the Chiropractic Commission charged chiropractor Richard E. Stocker (CH00001994) with unprofessional conduct. Stocker allegedly closed his clinic and failed to notify patients. He also allegedly failed to deliver copies of patient files and help patients find another practitioner for treatment.

Snohomish County

In April 2012 the Unlicensed Practice Program notified Jianwei Zhang of its intent to issue a cease-and-desist order. Zhang allegedly provided massage without having the proper credential, and during a massage touched a client's breasts and groin.

Spokane County

In May 2012 the Nursing Assistant Program charged registered nursing assistant Leora J. Ryan (NA00199571) with unprofessional conduct. Ryan allegedly borrowed or converted personal property from a patient and used the property for her benefit.

Thurston County

In May 2012 the Licensed Mental Health Counselor Program charged licensed mental health counselor Sydney J. Gienty (LH00007254) with unprofessional conduct. Gienty allegedly provided substandard care to a husband and wife, and disclosed client information without consent.

Walla Walla County

In April 2012 the Secretary of Health charged registered nurse James Corwin McGraw (RN00166174) with unprofessional conduct. McGraw allegedly sent numerous sexual texts to a patient's wife and made sexual comments to a patient.

In April 2012 the Dental Commission withdrew October 2011 charges against dentist Randolph C. Pearson (DE00004967).

In May 2012 the Nursing Home Administrator Program withdrew September 2011 charges against nursing home administrator Larry M. White (NH00002207).

Whatcom County

In April 2012 the Nursing Commission charged registered nurse Aeron A. Ries (RN00140928) with unprofessional conduct. Ries allegedly withdrew controlled substances for her personal use from the hospital where she worked.

Yakima County

In April 2012 the Medical Commission charged physician assistant John Bearup (PA10001768) with allegedly demonstrating a pattern of inappropriate sexual behavior toward patients and coworkers, substandard exams and documentation, and of misleading the public by failing to make known that he's a physician assistant and not a doctor.

In April 2012 the Nursing Assistant Program charged registered nursing assistant Julie Ann Coronado (NC10036773) with unprofessional conduct. Coronado allegedly abused, assaulted, and neglected a resident at an adult family home.

Out of State

Idaho: In April 2012 the Nursing Commission charged licensed practical nurse Amy K. Ross (LP00050636) with unprofessional conduct. Ross allegedly diverted narcotics, and used methamphetamine. She was also convicted of felony criminal possession of a financial transaction card in 2010.

Florida: In April 2012 the Nursing Commission reinstated the license of registered nurse Bonnie E. Bowen (RN00175071). Bowen must comply with terms and conditions set against her license.

Nevada: In April 2012 the Dental Commission charged dentist April L. Ziegele (DE00007932) with unprofessional conduct. Ziegele allegedly prescribed drugs to family members for non-dental related conditions, and allegedly kept inaccurate medical records.

West Virginia: In April 2012 the Nursing Commission charged registered nurse Tammy J. Storms (RN60010932) with unprofessional conduct. Storms allegedly diverted narcotics from an emergency department where she was employed.

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.

The Department of Health website (www.doh.wa.gov) is your source for a healthy dose of information. Also, find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

TNS LE-120622-JF78-3920937 StaffFurigay