State Disciplines Health Care Providers

OLYMPIA, Wash., Sept. 11 -- 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The Washington State Department of Health has taken disciplinary actions or withdrawn charges against health care providers in our state.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.

Clark County

In July 2012 the Nursing Assistant Program released certified nursing assistant April Dawn Mesick (NC60288375) from terms and conditions set against her credential.

Cowlitz County

In July 2012 the Nursing Assistant Program granted the credential of certified nursing assistant Amy Eleanor Newman (NC60288348) with terms and conditions that include participating in a substance abuse monitoring program.

King County

In July 2012 the Nursing Commission placed the license of registered nurse Flor D. Cruz (RN00076122) on probation for two years. Cruz must comply with terms and conditions set against her license that include taking ethics classes approved by the commission.

In August 2012 the Nursing Assistant Program granted the credential of registered nursing assistant Katherine Michele Dobbs (NA60289037) and placed it on probation for one year. Dobbs was convicted of second-degree commercial burglary in 2008.

In August 2012 the Chemical Dependency Professional Program reinstated the credential of chemical dependency professional trainee Dustin William Doerflinger (CO60166504). Doerflinger must comply with terms and conditions set against his credential.

In July 2012 the Physical Therapy Board ended the probation order against physical therapy assistant David J. Helde (P160055702).

In August 2012 the Health Care Assistant Program granted the credential of Michelle Velasquez Malang (HC60273821) and placed it on probation for at least three years. Malang was convicted of second-degree commercial burglary, and theft with a prior conviction in 2008.

In July 2012 the Dental Commission withdrew the July 2011 statement of charges against dentist Roger W. Nakanishi (DE00005953).

In July 2012 the Dental Commission entered into an agreed order with dentist Adrian P. Pawlowski (DE00007990, CS10000246) and placed his dental license on probation for at least two years. The commission suspended Pawlowski's moderate sedation with parenteral agents permit.

In July 2012 the Dental Commission ended the probation order against dental assistant Diana Julie Tab (D160214889).

Lewis County

In July 2012 the Nursing Commission entered into an agreed order with registered nurse Susan Marie Taylor (RN00099538). Taylor must comply with terms and conditions set against her license including participation in a substance abuse monitoring program.

Okanogan County

In July 2012 the Nursing Commission ended the probation order against George A. Menard (RN00151465).

Pierce County

In August 2012 the Nursing Assistant Program charged certified nursing assistant Michelle A. Punches (NC60015955) with unprofessional conduct. Punches was convicted of third-degree assault for striking a store clerk and first-degree theft for trying to steal from the store where the clerk was working -- both in 2012.

In July 2012 the Nursing Commission entered into an agreed order with registered nurse Charity A. Ridgley (RN00176856). Ridgley must comply with terms and conditions set against her license including participation in a substance abuse monitoring program.

In July 2012 the Nursing Commission granted the license of registered nurse Crystal Lee Schwab (RN60249039). Schwab must comply with terms and conditions set against her license. Her credential to practice as a registered nursing assistant was indefinitely suspended in 2009.

Skagit County

In July 2012 the Dental Commission entered into an agreed order with dentist Andrew T. Lai (DE00009768). Lai must comply with terms and conditions set against his license including taking risk management and restorative dentistry continuing education classes.

Snohomish County

In July 2012 the Dental Commission entered into an agreed order with dentist Sam Oh (DE00010691) and placed his license on probation for at least five years or completion of a substance abuse monitoring program.

Spokane County

In July 2012 the Dental Commission modified the agreed order against dentist James A. Carnell (DE00006847). Carnell's license is no longer on probation. He must comply with terms and conditions set against his credential including participation in a substance abuse monitoring program.

In July 2012 the Nursing Assistant Program charged registered nursing assistant Timothy Joshua Martinez (NA00202075) with unprofessional conduct. Martinez allegedly entered a long-term care facility with a rifle, locked an employee and resident in a room, and demanded all the medication in the facility.

Whatcom County

In August 2012 the Dispensing Optician Program charged dispensing optician Lisa D. Creighton (DO00001440) with unprofessional conduct. Creighton allegedly provided inadequate documentation to support services billed and paid for by Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS). Creighton also allegedly exceeded benefit limits allowed by DSHS and billed in error more than 2,000 times and owes DSHS about $50,000.

Out of state

Oregon: In July 2012 the Pharmacy Board ended the probation order against pharmacist Joseph W. Chan (PH00011138).

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.

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