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

OLYMPIA, Wash., Nov. 27 -- 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 80 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" (https://fortress.wa.gov/doh/providercredentialsearch/) 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 August 2013 the Board of Pharmacy denied the application submitted by Suzie Zuniga asking to be credentialed as a pharmacy assistant. The board denied Zuniga's application after finding that she had been convicted of 15 counts of wire fraud in 2006.

Clark County

In September 2013 the Nursing Assistant Program indefinitely suspended the credential of nursing assistant Jennifer L. Carter (NA00182552), who didn't comply with an agreed order. She failed to submit a quarterly supervisor report or an unemployment declaration.

Cowlitz County

In September 2013 the secretary of health indefinitely suspended the credential of counselor John Andrew Preheim (CG60155747). His credential will remain suspended until he has complied with an order requiring an investigative mental health examination.

Grant County

In September 2013 the secretary of health suspended the credential of certified nursing assistant Bryan P. Blann (NC10037624) for at least two years. The Department of Social and Health Services found that Blann had neglected vulnerable adults.

Grays Harbor County

In October 2013 the Nursing Commission suspended the credentials of registered nurse practitioner, certified nurse midwife, and advanced registered nurse practitioner Kathryn A. Lewis (ARNP.AP.30004525-CNM and ARNP.AP.60003639-FNP) for at least four years. Lewis provided treatment below the standard of care in providing prenatal care and care during labor and delivery. Lewis is allowed to remain practicing as a registered nurse, with supervision.

King County

In September 2013 the Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission suspended the credential of licensed practical nurse Allan John P. Albert (LPN.LP.00040625) for at least two years. He didn't comply with an order to participate in a substance abuse monitoring program after he had diverted medications for his own personal use while employed as a licensed practical nurse.

In October 2013 the Independent Clinical Social Worker Program suspended the credential of independent clinical social worker Rebecca J. Durocher (SWI.LW.0007329) for at least two years. Durocher had an improper personal and sexual relationship with a patient.

In September 2013 the secretary of health withdrew the statement of charges issued against nursing assistant Marilu N. Fojas (NAR.NA.00174381) in July 2013.

In September 2013 the secretary of health terminated the credential of health care assistant Manuel De Jesus Jimenez (HCA.HC.60189792), who had inappropriate relations with a patient. If he applies for another health care credential in Washington and it is granted, the disciplining authority may place terms and conditions on his new credential.

In October 2013 the Unlicensed Practice Program ordered Ismael Valdez-Rivera to cease and desist from engaging in any and all conduct constituting the practice of massage practitioner in Washington. Valdez-Rivera provided massage treatments without the proper credential.

Lewis County

In September 2013 the secretary of health suspended the credential of registered nursing assistant Alayna M. Charvet (NAR.NA.60110174) for at least two years. Charvet didn't comply with an agreement to take part in Washington Health Professional Services monitoring program.

Spokane County

In September 2013 the secretary of health suspended the credential of registered nursing assistant Mary Jeanette Potts (NAR.NA.00164482) for at least three years. Potts was found by the Department of Social and Health Services Aging and Disability Services Administration to have abused and neglected vulnerable adults between December 2011 and March 2012.

In September 2013 the secretary of health suspended the credential of registered nursing assistant Cynthia R. Sommer (NAR.NA.00198424) for at least three years. Sommer took or allowed someone to take a patient's television without permission.

The Department of Health website (doh.wa.gov) is your source for a healthy dose of information. Also, find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

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