State revokes, suspends licenses, certifications, registrations of health care providers

OLYMPIA ¾ 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 Office 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 Web site. Click on “Provider Credential Search” on the left hand side of the Department of Health home page (www.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
Clark
Grant
Grays Harbor
King
Kitsap
Okanogan
Pierce
Skagit
Snohomish
Spokane
Out of State
 

Clallam County

In April 2009 the Nursing Assistant Program indefinitely suspended the credential of Tawn R. Schoeben (NAR.NA.00183789). Schoeben diverted drugs from patients for her own use.

Clark County

In May 2009 the Pharmacy Board withdrew the statement of charges against pharmacy assistant Renee Zytniowski (PHAA.VB.00068155).

Grant County

In May 2009 the Nursing Commission withdrew the statement of charges against registered nurse Heather C. Smith (RN00156013).

Grays Harbor County

In April 2009 the Nursing Assistant Program suspended the credential of Sarah L. Palmer (NA00185336). Palmer failed to respond to a department investigator regarding conflicting information provided on two applications.

King County

In April 2009 the Nursing Commission indefinitely suspended the license of registered nurse Susan Akin (RN00081476). Akin failed to comply with a previous order.

In April 2009 Nursing Assistant Program indefinitely suspended the credential of Twinnet N. Bowens (NAR.NA.00038499). Bowens grabbed two patients roughly by the arm in an attempt to move them.

In April 2009 the Nursing Commission indefinitely suspended the license of Leonida B. Brusola (RN00121736). Brusola failed to comply with a previous order.

In May 2009 the Licensed Social Worker Program permanently revoked the credential of Thomas A. Gill (SWI.LW.00005015). While serving as respite provider, Gill engaged in inappropriate sexual conduct with a minor client. He pleaded guilty to two counts of communicating with a minor for immoral purposes and has to register as a sex offender.

In April 2009 the Medical Commission permanently revoked the license of physician Howard J. Levine (MD00019774). Levine engaged in a pattern of illegal conduct and incompetent medical practice; illegally prescribed controlled substances to individuals who weren’t his patients and failed to examine them; has two federal felony convictions; failed to comply with previous agreed orders; and tested positive for use of controlled substances. The commission believes Levine can never be rehabilitated and can never regain his ability to practice medicine with reasonable skill and safety.

Kitsap County

In April 2009 the Nursing Commission indefinitely suspended the license of registered nurse Cheyenne Carter (RN00161448). Carter failed to comply with terms and conditions set against her license.

In March 2009 the Medical Commission released physician George Mathew (MD00033873) from conditions in the March 2009 agreed order. Mathew’s license in Washington is unrestricted.

In April 2009 the Nursing Assistant Program indefinitely suspended the credential of Christina E. Olds (NAR.NA.00163513). Olds shook and yelled at a patient.

In April 2009 the Nursing Assistant Program suspended the credential of certified nursing assistant Hollie M. Stevens (NAC.NC.10092719). Stevens developed a personal relationship with a patient, including kissing and socializing at her residence.

Okanogan County

In April 2009 the Registered Counselor and X-Ray Technician Programs suspended the credentials of George Menard (RC00048255, XT00004574). Menard had an inappropriate relationship with a patient.

Pierce County

In April 2009 the Nursing Assistant Program indefinitely suspended the credential of Michelle Annette Ford (NAR.NA.00056940). She sold drugs to undercover officers and was charged with three felony counts of unlawful possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver.

In June 2009 the Nursing Assistant Program suspended the credential of Jordan S. Sorrick (NAR.NA.00192167). Sorrick was convicted of second degree assault.

Skagit County

In April 2009 the Nursing Assistant Program permanently revoked the credential of certified nursing assistant Cynthia A. Martinez (NAC.NC.10091956). Martinez was convicted of attempted residential burglary and failed to notify the program as required. She also stole credit cards from more than one patient.

Snohomish County

In April 2009 the Nursing Assistant Program indefinitely suspended the credential of certified nursing assistant Denise M. Huff (NAC.NA.10083681). Huff arranged to borrow money from a nursing home resident but more money was taken from the resident’s account.

Spokane County

In April 2009 the Health Care Assistant Program vacated the order against Steven M. Buckminster (HC00131320). Charges are pending.

In May 2009 the Nursing Assistant Program indefinitely suspended the credential of certified nursing assistant Shannon L. Cummins (NAC.NC.10080504). Cummins stole money from a resident and never responded to the program when asked about the incident.

In April 2009 the Nursing Commission suspended the license of registered nurse Patricia J. (Neill) Terry (RN00076042). Terry made medication administration errors relating to the care of a patient. She pleaded guilty to reckless endangerment.

Out of State

Arizona: In April 2009 the Nursing Commission summarily suspended the license of registered nurse Karen M. Manuel (RN.RN.00050356). Manuel’s license to practice nursing in Arizona was suspended; she remains prohibited from practicing there.

California: In April 2009 the Pharmacy Board revoked the credential of pharmacist Valentina Milman (PH00020193). Milman was convicted of federal charges of conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud and conspiracy to launder money.

Hawaii: In April 2009 the Medical Commission lifted the license suspension and withdrew the statement of charges against physician Gregory S. Terrell (MD00045934). Terrell’s license to practice in Washington is unrestricted.

Idaho: In April 2009 the Medical Commission entered into an agreed order with physician Valerie Fox (MD00045743) and placed her license on probation. She must comply with terms and conditions set against her license.

Missouri: In April 2009 the Optometry Board indefinitely suspended the license of Jeffry Alan Green (OD.OD.00001713). Green failed to comply with a previous order.

Montana: In April 2009 the Secretary of Health withdrew the statement of charges against registered counselor Lisa Orr-Scalpcane (RC00054837).

Ohio: In April 2009 the Nursing Commission indefinitely suspended the license of registered nurse Mary E. Mitchell (RN.RN.00159107). Mitchell’s license to practice nursing in Ohio was suspended for drug convictions.

Oregon: In April 2009 the Medical Commission continued the indefinite license suspension of physician Christopher L. Cowan (MD00036973). Cowan cannot apply for license reinstatement until he’s satisfied certain conditions, including that the Oregon Board allows him to practice in Oregon.

Oregon: In April 2009 the Pharmacy Board summarily suspended the license of pharmacist Jeff J. Graves (PHRM.PH00018580). Graves’ license to practice pharmacy in Oregon was suspended and he remains prohibited from practicing there.

 

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