State Disciplines Health Care Providers

OLYMPIA, Wash., Oct. 17 -- 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The Washington State Department of Health has taken disciplinary actions or withdrawn charges against health care providers in our state.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 80 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" (https://fortress.wa.gov/doh/providercredentialsearch/) 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.

Franklin County

In September 2012 the Pharmacy Board charged pharmacy technician Jennifer J. Brown (VA00039830) with unprofessional conduct. Brown allegedly diverted Fentanyl patches and then resold them to a third party for about $1,500. Earlier this year, she was charged with obtaining a controlled substance by fraud for the conduct. Brown admitted to a department investigator that she had also diverted legend drugs and controlled substances for her own use.

King County

In September 2012 the Dental Commission charged dentist Tina N. Hoang (DE00008580) with unprofessional conduct. Hoang allegedly altered and/or fabricated records multiple times in connection with a Department of Social and Health Services audit, which also found many instances of improper billing.

In September 2012 the Veterinary Board of Governors charged veterinarian Keith Norton (VT00003742) with unprofessional conduct. Norton allegedly practiced for several months with a suspended license. He also allegedly provided substandard care, didn't keep proper treatment records, and didn't provide requested documents to a department investigator.

In September 2012 the Veterinary Board of Governors charged veterinarian Melissa Norton (VT00003993) with unprofessional conduct. Norton allegedly allowed her brother to practice in her veterinary clinic while his license was suspended. She also allegedly provided substandard care, didn't keep proper treatment records, and didn't provide requested documents to a department investigator.

In September 2012 the Nursing Commission charged registered nurse Laurie McVay (RN00153372) with unprofessional conduct. Charges say McVay didn't properly document administration of a controlled substance on more than one occasion. She also allegedly didn't document wastage of controlled substances on more than a dozen occasions.

In September 2012 the Chemical Dependency Professional Program granted the credential of chemical dependency professional trainee Ryan Daniel Parry (CO60292981) and placed it on probation for at least three years. Parry was convicted of fourth-degree assault in 2006 and third-degree assault in 2009.

Kitsap County

In September 2012 the Occupational Therapy Practice Board charged occupational therapist Maryellen Boisen (OT00001900) with unprofessional conduct. Boisen allegedly took a prescription from a patient's chart, altered the prescription, and tried to have it filled at a local pharmacy. She petitioned to enter drug court on a charge of obtaining a controlled substance by fraud or forged prescription in 2011.

Lewis County

In September 2012 the Chemical Dependency Professional Program ended the probation order against chemical dependency professional and registered counselor Gary Sims (CP00001819, RC00026808).

Pierce County

In September 2012 the Nursing Assistant and Counselor Programs charged registered nursing assistant and agency affiliated counselor Patrick Steven Crews (NA00170767, CG60230444). Crews allegedly didn't comply with a 2011 agreed order requiring him to comply with a substance abuse monitoring program.

In August 2012 the Nursing Assistant Program denied the registered nursing assistant credential application of Nicholas Mark Foreman (NA60276495). Foreman was convicted of driving under the influence in 2012. He also entered into deferred prosecution for charges of driving under the influence and third-degree driving with a suspended license in 2012.

In September 2012 the Psychology Board charged Kristi L. Mix (PY00002298), also known as Kristi L. Breen, with being unable to practice with reasonable skill and safety. She allegedly has a physical or mental condition preventing her from practicing safely.

In September 2012 the Chemical Dependency Professional Program ended the probation order against chemical dependency professional trainee Theresa Michelle Stach (CO60154054).

Snohomish County

In September 2012 the Nursing Commission entered into an agreed order with licensed practical nurse Mamat Cham (LP00058679) and placed his license on probation for at least two years. Cham must comply with terms and conditions set against his license.

In August 2012 the Marriage and Family Therapist and Licensed Mental Health Counselor Programs withdrew the March 2012 statement of charges against Tamara L. Sampson (LF00002462, LH00011142).

Spokane County

In September 2012 the Nursing Assistant Program ended the probation order against registered nursing assistant Cheryl K. Edlin (NA00174019).

In September 2012 the Counselor Program and the Chemical Dependency Professional Program granted the credential of chemical dependency professional Sandee Jo Parisi (CP00003147, RC00033749), also known as Sandee Jo Mayfield, and placed it on probation for at least three years. Parisi's registered counselor credential was revoked in 2007. She must comply with terms and conditions set against her credential.

Thurston County

In September 2012 the Sex Offender Treatment Provider and Counselor Programs charged sex offender treatment provider and certified counselor Sue Whitmore Batson (FC00000173, CL60163482) with unprofessional conduct. Batson allegedly allowed an unlicensed person to co-facilitate sessions with clients and didn't disclose that her co-facilitator was a probation officer. This created risk of harm to her clients. Batson also allegedly didn't keep proper records and some of her evaluations were deficient.

Whatcom County

In September 2012 the Chemical Dependency Professional Program granted the credential of chemical dependency professional Max Duane Whipple (CP60264607). Whipple must comply with terms and conditions set against his credential including continued participation in a substance abuse monitoring program.

Out of state

Minnesota: In September 2012 the Massage Program charged Kara J. Buchanan (MA00010945) with unprofessional conduct. Buchanan was convicted of first-degree rendering criminal assistance in 2012.

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.

tns gv51gv 121020-4077500 61GemaViana