State Revokes, Suspends Licenses, Certifications, Registrations of Health Care Providers

OLYMPIA, Wash., July 3 -- The Washington state Department of Health issued the following news release:

The Washington State Department of Health has revoked or suspended the licenses, certifications, or registrations of health care providers in our state. The department has also immediately suspended the credentials of people who have been prohibited from practicing in other states.

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's website. Click on "Look up a healthcare provider license" in the "How Do I?" section of the Department of Health home page (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.

Benton County

In June 2012 the Department of Health suspended the credential of certified nursing assistant Carleen J. Grawl (NC10011749) for five years. Grawl failed to protect vulnerable clients in her care from abuse.

Pierce County

In May 2012 the Department of Health suspended the license of massage therapist John M. Hathaway (MA00020721) for three years. Hathaway had a sexual relationship with a patient, and was convicted of violating a protection order forbidding contact with the patient.

In June 2012 the Chemical Dependency Professional Program indefinitely suspended the credential of chemical dependency professional trainee James Daniel Rooth (CO60198033) for failing to comply with terms and conditions set against his credential.

Skagit County

In May 2012 the Nursing Commission restricted the credentials of advanced registered nurse practitioner (AP30000303), and registered nurse (RN 00070602) Theodore E. Ritter Jr. Ritter's credentials are expired. He cannot apply to have either of his credentials reinstated for 42 months. He must pay a fine, and comply with terms and conditions set against his license before reapplying. Ritter engaged in sexual misconduct and provided substandard care.

In May 2012 the Nursing Commission put the credential of licensed practical nurse Steve T. Waller (LP00047471) on probation for two years. Waller had a sexual relationship with a patient and provided non-prescribed pain medication to the patient. Waller was convicted of unlawful delivery of a legend drug.

In June 2012 the Department of Health indefinitely suspended the credential of nursing assistant Ashley Ann Gibson (NA60148506). Gibson was convicted of second-degree theft, harassment, and making false statements to a public servant.

Spokane County

In May 2012 the Nursing Assistant Program suspended the registration of nursing assistant Melissa J. Seed (NA60012625) pending the completion of terms set against her license. Seed did not provide appropriate care for a vulnerable patient.

In June 2012 the Department of Health indefinitely suspended the credential of nursing assistant Annie Rose Cooper (NC60187337) for diverting medication from patients for personal use.

In June 2012 the Pharmacy Board indefinitely suspended the credential of pharmacist Lesa A. Gibbs (PH00014701). Gibbs failed to comply with the terms of an agreed order that she participate in a substance abuse monitoring program.

In June 2012 the Nursing Commission suspended the credential of licensed practical nurse Amy K. Ross (LP00050636) for four years. She has a felony conviction of criminal possession of a financial transaction card, diverted narcotics while employed at Manor Care Health Services, and admitted to using methamphetamine. Her credential expired in 2011 but is eligible for renewal.

Walla Walla

In May 2012 the Nursing Commission suspended the credential of registered nurse Lynda K. Corn (RN00122305) two years for failing to comply with an agreement to participate in substance abuse monitoring.

Yakima County

In May 2012 the Department of Health indefinitely suspended the license of counselor Erin Theresa Michalsky (CG60127271) for failing to didn't provide adequate supervision for an at-risk client. She also failed to cooperate with a Department of Health investigation.

Out of State

Colorado: In May 2012 the Nursing Commission suspended the license of registered nurse Jason D. Wooldridge (RN60100773) for two years and set terms and conditions which must be met before he can apply to have his license reinstated. Wooldridge diverted drugs from his employer for his personal use and was convicted of resisting arrest.

Michigan: In May 2012 the Nursing Commission suspended the credential of registered nurse Patrick William Prestine (RN60229069). In December 2011, the Indiana State Board of Nursing suspended his license based on evidence of substance abuse and based on deception in obtaining his Indiana license.

Minnesota: In May the Nursing Commission indefinitely suspended the credential of registered nurse Ronald Moganka (RN60196154). In January 2012, the Minnesota Board of Nursing suspended Moganka's license for failing to pay court-ordered child support.

West Virginia: In June 2012 the Nursing Commission suspended the credential of registered nurse Tammy J. Storms (RN60010932) for 24 months for diverting narcotics from Harborview Medical Center, where she was employed. She was fined $4,000. Before she can apply to have her license reinstated, she must participate in a substance abuse monitoring program, and prove that she has been clean and sober for 24 months.

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