Wash. State Disciplines Health Care Providers

OLYMPIA, Wash., Sept. 26 -- The Washington state Department of Health issued the following news release:

 to set licensing standThe Washington State Department of Health has taken disciplinary actions or withdrawn charges against health care providers in our state.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 committee to set 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 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.

Cowlitz County

In August 2012 the Nursing Assistant Program granted the credential of certified nursing assistant Crystal Jolynn Sebree-Lehman (NC60296609) and placed it on probation for at least one year. Sebree-Lehman was convicted of second-degree theft in 2001.

King County

In August 2012 the Midwifery Program charged Amanda S. Feldmann (MW00000259) with unprofessional conduct. Feldmann allegedly provided substandard care to a mother in labor resulting in the baby's death. She also allegedly allowed a woman, who is unlicensed in Washington, to serve as the primary midwife in the delivery of the baby.

In August 2012 the Medical Commission charged physician Jim Chun Jen Hsu (MD00044903) with unprofessional conduct. The diagnosis and surgery he performed on a patient's shoulder was allegedly below the standard of care.

In August 2012 the Massage Program charged Peter J. Hunzinger (MA00024038) with unprofessional conduct. Hunzinger allegedly touched a patient's breast and pubic area inappropriately during a massage. He also allegedly made sexual comments to another patient during a massage.

In August 2012 the Psychology Board released Bruce J. Leksa (PY00001102) from terms and conditions of a September 2010 agreed order.

In July 2012 the Nursing Commission denied the registered nurse credential application of Bethelihem Assefa Meskely (RN60252710). Meskely doesn't meet education requirements.

In August 2012 the Massage Program charged Andrew Olk (MA60228312) with unprofessional conduct. Olk allegedly kissed a patient during a massage.

In August 2012 the Nursing Assistant Program placed the credential of registered nursing assistant Vivian N. Tate-Swoopes (NA00163696) on probation for at least three years.

In July 2012 the Nursing Assistant Program denied the registered nursing assistant application of Ben Justin Reynard (NA60177438). Reynard failed to take a required mental or physical examination.

In August 2012 the X-Ray Technician Program charged Richard W. Young (XT60000893) with unprofessional conduct for failing to comply with a previous stipulation.

Kitsap County

In July 2012 the Health Care Assistant Program denied the application of Julie Ann McGinnis (HC60198786, HC60151140). McGinnis's employer fired her for phoning in multiple prescriptions for her own use under a medical provider's name without authorization, and for cutting a patient's medication dose without the authorization from the patient's physician.

Lewis County

In July 2012 the Nursing Assistant Program denied the applications of Destiny Marie Kerr (NA60282791, NC60287349). Kerr was convicted of residential burglary and reckless endangerment in 2001.

In August 2012 the Nursing Commission amended charges against registered nurse Susan M. Smith (RN00092786). Smith allegedly provided substandard care to three patients including failing to tell a patient's physician of a change in the patient's condition in a timely fashion, and failing to administer medications ordered by a physician. Smith also allegedly failed to administer medications in a timely fashion to a patient who was later found dead.

Pierce County

In August 2012 the Health Care Assistant Program ended the probation order against Brandon A. Hagen (HC00152899).

In August 2012 the Chemical Dependency Professional Program granted the application of chemical dependency professional trainee LeaAnna D. Darling (CO60245620). Darling had 11 criminal convictions from 2005 to2007. She must comply with terms and conditions set against her credential.

Snohomish County

In August 2012 the Massage Program released Kalie B. Buskeness (MA60247224), also known as Kaley Buskeness, from the terms and conditions of an agreement.

In August 2012 the Chemical Dependency Professional Program granted the application of chemical dependency professional trainee Jonni Colleen Duncan (CO60249483). Duncan had 10 criminal convictions from 1990 to2009. She must comply with terms and conditions set against her credential.

In August 2012 the Nursing Commission charged licensed practical nurse Regina Chinyere Jimerson (LP00042097) with unprofessional conduct. Jimerson allegedly failed to follow facility policies after a patient fell, resulting in delayed medical attention and neglect.

Spokane County

In August 2012 the Nursing Assistant Program charged certified nursing assistant Brandi L. Hicking (NC10074015) with unprofessional conduct. Hicking allegedly exploited a vulnerable adult financially and she can't work or volunteer with vulnerable adults or children.

Thurston County

In August 2012 the Nursing Commission charged registered nurse and advanced registered nurse practitioner Jeanette G. Revay (RN00074524, AP30005089-PSYC) with unprofessional conduct. Revay allegedly altered a printout from the Department of Health's Provider Credential Search to keep a prospective employer from knowing she had a disciplinary action against her licenses. She also allegedly concealed the fact that she was terminated as a Medicaid provider in 2006.

Whatcom County

In August 2012 the Osteopathic Board charged osteopathic physician and surgeon Gregory D. Sharp (OP00001611) with unprofessional conduct. Sharp's management of 11 chronic pain patients allegedly violated the standard of care.

Out of state

Canada: In August 2012 the Nursing Commission denied the application of Farinaz Vilkigi (LP60263789). Vilkigi doesn't meet licensing requirements.

New York: In August 2012 the Massage Program reinstated the credential of Christina Yvonne Frenkel (MA00020847) and placed it on probation for one year.

Oregon: In August 2012 the Medical Commission denied the physician and surgeon application of Georgia Nel Opheim (MD60211092). Opheim can't practice medicine with reasonable skill and safety.

Oregon: In July 2012 the Pharmacy Board granted the credential of pharmacist Jason Robert Whitley (PH60266429) and placed it on probation until he can show his Oregon pharmacist license is no longer on probation.

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.

tns gv51gv 120926-4046416 61GemaViana