State Disciplines Health Care Providers

OLYMPIA, Wash., Aug. 13 -- 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The Washington State Department of Health has taken disciplinary actions or withdrawn charges against health care providers in our state.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.

Clallam County

In July 2013 the Nursing Commission charged registered nurse Teresa Ann Scott (RN00102948) with unprofessional conduct. Scott allegedly withdrew narcotic medications multiple times while working in a hospital, but didn't properly document administering or disposing of the medication.

Clark County

In July 2013 the Unlicensed Practice Program notified Natasha R. Wold of its intent to issue a cease-and-desist order. Wold, whose massage practitioner credential expired in 2009, allegedly engaged in massage practice from about January through April 2013, and advertised her practice on the Internet in April 2013.

Grant County

In July 2013 the Nursing Assistant Program charged certified nursing assistant Magdalena Alvarez, also known as Magdalena Alvarez Solano (NC60045017), with unprofessional conduct. In 2012 she was convicted of third-degree theft. Alvarez also allegedly didn't respond to a Department of Health investigator's inquiry into complaints against her.

Jefferson County

In July 2013 the Nursing Commission ended probation for registered nurse Mary A. Coggins (RN00106318).

King County

In July 2013 the Occupational Therapy Board charged occupational therapist Traci L. Trygg (OT00003518) with unprofessional conduct. Trygg allegedly billed two patients for services when no services were provided or documented.

In July 2013 the Nursing Commission charged registered nurse Tarri L. Cafarelli (RN00172934) with unprofessional conduct. Cafarelli's documentation of administering narcotic medication differed from records in an automated medication management system.

In July 2013 the Nursing Commission charged registered nurse and advanced registered nurse practitioner Chris Leon Porter (RN00148053, AP30006421) with unprofessional conduct. For about four-and-a-half years, Porter allegedly received $500 per month to serve as a spa's medical director. He allegedly never went to the spa and never saw patients, but allowed a registered nurse to order and administer Botox and other prescription fillers.

In July 2013 the Pharmacy Board charged pharmacist Ponciano F. Bautista (PH00017744) with unprofessional conduct. Bautista's credential is on probation. During an unannounced inspection of his pharmacy, unlabeled and uncapped bottles containing medications allegedly were left in the work area, and tablets of unknown substances were left out on tables. Additional charges include mislabeled medications, labels without required warnings, allowing an unlicensed person inside the pharmacy, and employing a pharmacy technician who returned drugs to stock after they had been sealed into a package. Other allegations include leaving several boxes full of unused medications unattended in bubble packs that were supposed to be destroyed after being returned from nursing homes. The pharmacy allegedly employed three drivers who lacked active credentials, and didn't maintain the required three-to-one ratio for pharmacy technicians and pharmacists.

Pierce County

In July 2013 the Nursing Assistant Program reinstated the registered nursing assistant credential of Jane Wangari Karuri (NA60058175), who may now practice without restrictions.

In July 2013 the Nursing Commission charged licensed practical nurse Drew Anne Hamrick (LP00044526) with unprofessional conduct. In 2012 Hamrick was convicted of four counts of tampering with a witness and one count of unlawful imprisonment.

In July 2013 the Nursing Assistant Program charged certified nursing assistant Cheri Lynne Thomas (NC10047974) with unprofessional conduct. The Department of Social and Health Services will not allow her to be employed in a job with access to vulnerable adults based on a finding that she abused a vulnerable adult.

In July 2013 the Dental Commission charged dental assistant Nakoa Therese Guffey (D160054568) with unprofessional conduct. Guffey allegedly used patients' identities to fraudulently get narcotic medication. In lieu of facing criminal charges, she was allowed to participate in a drug court program.

In July 2013 the Psychology Board entered an agreement with psychologist Sunil K. Kakar (PY00003098) that placed his credential on probation for at least five years. Because of drug and alcohol impairment, Kakar's behavior was unusual at his work place. After being arrested in connection with driving while intoxicated, possession of marijuana, and the use of drug paraphernalia, Kakar agreed to a negotiated charge of second-degree negligent driving.

Snohomish County

In July 2013 the Nursing Commission charged registered nurse Leslie A. Tecumseh (RN00167817) with unprofessional conduct. Tecumseh, who worked as a nurse at the Monroe Correctional Complex, allegedly diverted promethazine, a legend drug, and admitted being addicted to heroin.

In July 2013 the Nursing Commission charged licensed practical nurse Jackie Elizabeth Breiling (LP60276827) with unprofessional conduct. Breiling allegedly dispensed more narcotic medication than orders called for five times, but didn't document administering or disposing of the excess. She allegedly tested positive for codeine, morphine, hydromorphone, and oxycodone, for which she had no prescription.

In June 2013 the Nursing Commission entered an agreement with licensed practical nurse Rosemary Barrett (LP00046312) that reinstated her credential and placed it on probation. Barrett complied with a 2011 agreement under which her credential was suspended until she provided evidence of remaining clean and sober for at least 24 consecutive months.

Spokane County

In July 2013 the Nursing Assistant Program reinstated the registered nursing assistant credential of Nicole A. Fowler (NA00157961), who may now practice without restrictions.

In June 2013 the Medical Commission ended conditions on the credential of physician Michael L. Thorpe (MD00042843).

In July 2013 the Chemical Dependency Professional Program charged chemical dependency professional and chemical dependency professional trainee Jeremy Lee Ransford (CP60311697, CO60163412) with unprofessional conduct. Ransford allegedly got involved in a romantic and/or sexual relationship with a former client, with whom he began living.

In July 2013 the Chemical Dependency Professional Program conditionally granted a chemical dependency professional trainee Jessica Ann Randock (CO60376097) and placed her on probation. From 2004 to 2009 Randock was convicted of two felonies and four gross misdemeanors.

Thurston County

In July 2013 the Nursing Assistant Program conditionally granted a registered nursing assistant credential to Ryan Clearance Heimbuch (NA60325264). In 2009 Heimbuch was convicted of one count of fourth-degree assault -- domestic violence, and two counts of violation of a no contact order -- domestic violence. In 2010 he was convicted of felony violation of a post-conviction no contact order/domestic violence.

In July 2013 the Respiratory Care Practitioner Program charged respiratory care practitioner Colette K. Lancaster (LR00003822) with unprofessional conduct. Lancaster allegedly went outside her scope of practice when she discontinued a patient's oxygen flow without a doctor's order.

In July 2013 the Nursing Commission ended probation for registered nurse Russell J. Huebner (RN00176359).

Whatcom County

In June 2013 the Pharmacy Board denied a pharmacy assistant credential to Matthew Richard Tagman (VB60329567), who in 2006 was convicted of solicitation to obtain a legend drug by fraud.

Out of State

Oregon: In June 2013 the Nursing Commission entered an agreement with registered nurse Susan D. Fast (RN00125856) that reinstated her credential. It was revoked in 2008 after Fast was convicted on two theft charges in Oregon in connection with the theft of more than $28,900 from her employer.

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