State Disciplines Health Care Providers

OLYMPIA, Wash., March 19 -- 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The Washington State Department of Health has taken disciplinary actions or withdrawn charges against health care providers in our state.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" 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(http://www.doh.wa.gov/LicensesPermitsandCertificates/ProviderCredentialSearch.aspx) 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.

Benton County

In February 2013 the Chiropractic Commission entered an agreement with chiropractor Perry E. Barnhill (CH00033927) and placed his credential on probation for four years. Barnhill agreed to pay a $3,000 fine and undergo a review of his insurance billing and patient accounts. He also pleaded guilty to third-degree theft in 2012.

Clallam County

In February 2013 the Nursing Assistant Program charged certified nursing assistant Anne Cerie Greiner (NC10050888) with unprofessional conduct. Greiner allegedly neglected a vulnerable adult and financially exploited another.

Clark County

In February 2013 the Nursing Assistant Program charged registered nursing assistant Nelly C. Beebe (NA60004260) with unprofessional conduct. Beebe allegedly became frustrated and used inappropriate forceful contact on a vulnerable adult.

Grant County

In February 2013 the Dental Commission released dentist Gordon Stanley Froese (DE00004928) from terms of a 2011 order.

King County

In February 2013 the Physical Therapy Board granted a physical therapist assistant credential to Lacie Christine Ferris (P160312365). In 2004, Ferris was convicted of negligent driving, in 2005, she was convicted of hit and run-unattended vehicle and in 2007, she was convicted of driving under the influence.

In February 2013 the Dental Commission released dentist Chan K. Bae (DE00007058) from terms of a 2012 modified agreement.

In February 2013 the Mental Health Counselor Program entered an agreement with mental health counselor Nancy E. Dannemiller (LH60118468) and placed her credential on probation for 18 months. She agreed to pay a $1,000 fine. Dannemiller had a sexual relationship with a parent of two patients.

In February 2013 the Veterinary Board of Governors charged veterinarian Gene Albert Bodily (VT00001042) with unprofessional conduct. Bodily allegedly provided substandard care to a dog he operated on. The dog subsequently died. Charges also say he didn't keep adequate records.

In February 2013 the Occupational Therapy Practice Board withdrew charges against occupational therapist Pamela L. Stockman (OT00002916).

In February 2013 the Chemical Dependency Professional and Counselor programs ended probation for chemical dependency professional and agency affiliated counselor Rodney J. Purdy (CP60078847, CG60178249).

Kitsap County

In February 2013 the Nursing Assistant Program ended probation for registered nursing assistant Sharley R. Shore (NA00031810).

Okanogan County

In February 2013 the Chemical Dependency Professional Program charged chemical dependency professional Miguel A. Sanchez (CP00003267) with unprofessional conduct. Sanchez allegedly didn't respond to a department inquiry about a complaint against his practice.

Pierce County

In February 2013 the Chiropractic Commission entered an agreement with chiropractor Edward L. West (CH00001640) and will monitor his credential for three years. West agreed to pay a $5,000 fine, undergo unannounced audits, receive continuing education in record-keeping and coding, and pass a jurisprudence exam. West kept inadequate records in cases involving 12 patients.

In February 2013 the Marriage and Family Therapist Program entered an agreement with marriage and family therapist Heidi Halsey (LF00001125) and will monitor her practice for four years. Halsey violated consent requirements when treating children, broke confidentiality and violated boundaries, provided substandard care, and provided false information about her education and credentials. In addition to practice limitations and education requirements, Halsey agreed to pay a $2,500 fine.

In February 2013 the Nursing Assistant Program charged certified nursing assistant Jackie Johnson (NC10006793) with unprofessional conduct. Johnson allegedly didn't comply with a previous stipulation.

Snohomish County

In February 2013 the Dental Commission ended probation for dental assistant Angela D. Lambert (D160136930).

Spokane County

In February 2013 the Chemical Dependency Professional Program granted the credential of chemical dependency professional trainee of Sue Marie Hernandez, also known as Sue Marie Whitehead (CO60319946), and placed her credential on probation. In 1991, Hernandez was convicted of second-degree theft and, in 1995, for possession and conspiracy to deliver cocaine. In 2007, she was convicted of one count each of forgery, second-degree theft and second-degree identity theft.

In February 2013 the Chemical Dependency Professional Program entered an agreement with chemical dependency professional trainee Alexia Nichole Edinger (CO60139933) reinstated her credential, and placed it on probation for at least two years. Edinger's credential was suspended in 2011 after she didn't comply with a previous agreement.

Thurston County

In February 2013 the Nursing Commission charged licensed practical nurse Laura M. Dupont (LP00037834) with unprofessional conduct. Dupont allegedly didn't comply with a previous agreement.

In February 2013 the Chemical Dependency Professional Program granted a chemical dependency professional trainee credential to James Grant Starliper (CO60325861) and placed it on probation. In 1999, Starliper was convicted in Texas of cocaine possession, and in 2003, he was convicted in California of burglary, two counts of petty theft, possession of drug paraphernalia, and marijuana possession. In 2004, he was convicted in California of possession of a controlled substance, resisting/delaying/obstructing a public or peace officer, possession of drug paraphernalia, and second-degree burglary and theft. In 2011, Starliper was convicted of fourth-degree assault--domestic violence.

Wahkiakum County

In February 2013 nursing home administrator Duncan B. Cruickshank (NH00001770) agreed to voluntarily surrender his credential to the Nursing Home Administrators Board. In 2011 the Department of Social and Health Services issued 30 citations to a facility Cruickshank managed. Citations included having staff coverage below legal requirements, no on-site medical director, not reporting and investigating abuse and neglect of residents, no policy related to residents' missing property, not conducting care conferences for residents or following comprehensive plans of residents.

Out of State

Nevada: In February 2013 the Nursing Commission denied the licensed practical nurse application of Nancy R. Pacto (LP60324870), who didn't graduate from a commission-approved nursing school.

Oregon: In February 2013 the Dental Commission denied the dental license application of Kris Michael Blodgett (DE60304672). On his application, Blodgett didn't disclose multiple reprimands against his Oregon license, didn't explain a consent order with the Oregon Board of Dentistry until asked, and didn't provide copies of Oregon disciplinary documents until asked.

Oregon: In February 2013 the Counselor Program ended probation for agency affiliated counselor Nathaniel Davis (CG60201758).

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(http://www.facebook.com/pages/Washington-State-Department-of-Health/117762158270896) and follow us on Twitter(http://www.twitter.com/WA_DeptofHealth).

TNS-LE 130321-JF78-4255841 StaffFurigay