State Disciplines Health Care Providers

OLYMPIA, Wash., March 15 -- 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The Washington State Department of Health has taken disciplinary actions or withdrawn charges against health care providers in our state.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(http://www.doh.wa.gov/LicensesPermitsandCertificates/ProviderCredentialSearch.aspx)" 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 February 2013 the Unlicensed Practice Program notified Holly A. Briggs of its intent to issue a cease-and-desist order. She allegedly claimed to be a massage practitioner but doesn't hold a credential.

Grant County

In February 2013 the Nursing Commission charged registered nurse Gina L. Goodwin (RN00097130) with unprofessional conduct. Goodwin allegedly called in more than 100 prescriptions for herself and her son, including some for controlled substances, under other nurses' names. Charges also say she used the phone number of a Drug Enforcement Administration physician who was unaware of the incidents.

King County

In February 2013 the Chemical Dependency Professional Program ended probation for chemical dependency professional Natalie N. Gomez (CP00006406).

In February 2013 the Dental Commission entered an agreement with dentist Mostafa Norooz (DE00007466). He was found to have provided substandard care to a patient. Norooz agreed to unannounced records audits, a $5,000 fine, $3,055 in cost reimbursement, and additional continuing education. The commission withdrew charges against his permit for moderate sedation with parenteral agents (CS10000376).

In February 2013 the Secretary of Health charged registered nurse Bangyad A. Lawagan (RN00173804) with unprofessional conduct. Lawagan allegedly had a sexual relationship with a patient.

In February 2013 the Veterinary Board of Governors modified an agreement with veterinary technician Morganne Belle Sullivan (AT60222138) to allow her time to complete required continuing education.

In February 2013 the Board of Occupational Therapy conditionally granted an occupational therapy assistant credential to Kerrie Ann Wise (OC60315592). In 2007, Wise was convicted of using/delivering drug paraphernalia, in 2008, she was convicted of third-degree driving while license suspended, and driving under the influence.

In February 2013 the Secretary of Health modified an agreement with registered nurse and advanced registered nurse practitioner Leif S. Benjestorf (RN00174674, AP60201664) and placed his credentials on probation for three years. Benjestorf had a sexual relationship with a former patient.

In February 2013 the Dental Commission charged dentist Peter T. Kusakabe (DE00002462) with unprofessional conduct. Kusakabe allegedly used plastic food wrap as an infection control barrier, didn't maintain required logs, left overfilled garbage cans in operating areas, and had visibly dirty sinks and work areas in his office. A second inspection of his clinic allegedly showed the only correction was the addition of one log.

In February 2013 the Dental Commission withdrew charges against dentist Neville W. Richter (DE00005047).

In February 2013 the Nursing Commission charged registered nurse Caroline A. Klevemann (RN00173047) with unprofessional conduct. Klevemann allegedly didn't comply with a previous agreement.

In February 2013 the Massage Program charged massage practitioner Fei Fei Liu (MA60180016) with unprofessional conduct. Liu allegedly permitted an unlicensed person to practice massage at a business he owned and operated. He pleaded guilty in Pierce County Superior Court to employing an unlicensed massage practitioner.

Kitsap County

In February 2013 the Dental Commission entered an agreement with dentist Seok W. Nichols (DE00010224) to abide by certain conditions, including paying a $15,000 fine. He was found to have provided substandard care to two patients. The commission will monitor his credential for two years.

Okanogan County

In February 2013 the Nursing Assistant Program charged registered nursing assistant Theresa Salazar (NA00195253) with unprofessional conduct. Salazar allegedly falsified patient records.

Pierce County

In February 2013 the Nursing Assistant Program charged registered nursing assistant Connie K. Gaylord (NA00123499) with unprofessional conduct. Gaylord owned and operated an adult family home. She allegedly didn't maintain, staff, or operate the home according to regulations and provided substandard care to residents. The Department of Social and Health Services revoked her adult family home license and issued a preliminary finding that she had neglected vulnerable adults.

In February 2013 the Nursing Assistant and X-Ray Technician programs charged registered nursing assistant and X-ray technician Jennifer Dawn Woolery (NA60206652, XT60259185) with unprofessional conduct. Woolery also held a health care assistant credential (HC60259211) that was suspended for non-compliance with a previous order.

Snohomish County

In February 2013 the Nursing Assistant Program charged certified nursing assistant Delphine V. Thomas (NC10065626) with unprofessional conduct. Thomas allegedly lied on her license application when asked if she'd been known by any other name and if she'd been convicted of a crime. In 1979, she was convicted of first-degree manslaughter in Texas under the name Delphine Valencia Arrington. Thomas also allegedly lied about her criminal background on a Department of Social and Health Services background authorization form.

Spokane County

In February 2013 the Secretary of Health ended probation for chemical dependency trainee and professional Ricky Rorie (CO60130412, CP60068759).

In February 2013 the Board of Pharmacy issued a default order against pharmacy intern Jeremiah J. Peterson (IR00064090). Peterson didn't verify that he's making progress toward a pharmacy degree.

In February 2013 the Massage Program ended probation for massage practitioner Loretta Ann Clark (MA60097219).

In February 2013 the Nursing Assistant Program charged registered nursing assistant Emily Jean Thomas (NA60256506) with unprofessional conduct. Thomas allegedly didn't report for her shift to care for an in-home patient, leaving the patient unattended for eight hours. Charges also say she reported eight hours later than scheduled and admitted having used methamphetamine earlier in the day.

In February 2013 the Unlicensed Practice Program notified Peggy Parker of its intent to issue a cease-and-desist order. She allegedly misrepresented herself as a naturopathic physician, a credential she doesn't have.

Thurston County

In February 2013 the Dispensing Optician Program entered an agreement with dispensing optician Lisa D. Green, also known as Lisa D. Creighton, (DO00001440) and placed her credential on probation. Green didn't adequately document services paid for by the Department of Social and Health Services 34 times, exceeded benefit limits, and billed in error 2,182 times. She is required to repay $50,989.

Whatcom County

In February 2013 the Nursing Assistant Program charged registered nursing assistant Jeffery Emerson (NA60203706) with unprofessional conduct. Emerson allegedly borrowed about $1,000 from a vulnerable patient at a boarding home where he worked.

Out of State

California: In February 2013 the Chiropractic Commission entered an agreement with chiropractor James W. McCluskey (CH00033686). His credential is reinstated provided he meets conditions outlined when it was revoked in 2004. McCluskey treated a patient while his license was expired, and didn't maintain or release patient records as required.

Montana: In February 2013 the Secretary of Health charged registered nurse and advanced registered nurse practitioner Sydney Diann Seyfert (RN00169884, AP60202579) with unprofessional conduct. Seyfert allegedly had a sexual relationship with a patient.

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(http://www.doh.wa.gov/) (www.doh.wa.gov) is your source for a healthy dose of information. Also, find us on Facebook(http://www.facebook.com/pages/Washington-State-Department-of-Health/117762158270896) and follow us on Twitter(http://www.twitter.com/WA_DeptofHealth).

TNS-LE 130316-4247965 StaffFurigay