Seattle/LocalHealthGuide » Nurses

VA nurses scrutinized after patient deaths in two states

ProPublica — Tue, 01 May 2012 12:30:31 +0000

by Tracy Weber and Charles Ornstein
ProPublica

After a patient died last year at a Veterans Affairs hospital in Manhattan, federal inspectors discovered nurses in his unit had a startling gap in their skills: They didn’t understand how the monitors tracking vital signs worked.

None of the nurses interviewed could accurately explain what would happen if a patient became disconnected from a cardiac monitor — which allegedly occurred to the patient who died, according to an October 2011 report from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ inspector general.

The incident followed two deaths in the cardiac monitoring unit at a VA hospital in Denver that raised similar questions about nurse competency.

Earlier this month, a broader review by the VA inspector general of 29 VA facilities found only half had adequately documented that their nurses had the needed skills. Some nurses “did not demonstrate competency in one or more required skills,” but there was no evidence of retraining, the report said.

An outside nursing expert who reviewed the reports at ProPublica’s request called them “troubling” and said the fact that the lapses weren’t caught and corrected “signified much broader problems.”

The inspector general’s findings reveal “a lack of oversight and adherence to accepted clinical and regulatory standards,” said Jane Hirsch, a clinical professor emeritus at the University of California, San Francisco School of Nursing, who previously oversaw nursing at U.C. San Francisco Medical Center.

The April 20 IG report also noted that previous inspections had found nurse competency issues in “dialysis, mental health, long-term care, spinal cord injury, endoscopy procedure areas, the operating room and the cardiac catheterization laboratory and with reusable medical equipment.”

In a response to the inspector general, the VA pledged to create uniform competency standards for its 152 hospitals and to ensure that evaluations of every nurse’s skills are up-to-date. Nurses will not be able to work in areas in which they have not demonstrated competency.

A VA spokeswoman declined further comment.

Nurse competency has increasingly become an issue in medicine. Hospitals and clinics create their own procedures and tests for assessing the skills of nurses, but theiradherence to these policies is spotty.

Outside regulators don’t test individual nurses, but simply check if a sampling of the nurses’ files have the appropriate paperwork certifying competency.

That’s what VA’s inspector general did for the April review. As such, officials acknowledged that they could not verify whether nurses at those hospitals, or others, are providing competent care.

“We did not look at actual care or actual competence,” Julie Watrous, director of the inspector general’s combined assessment program, which inspects each VA hospital every three years, told ProPublica.

Only half the 29 facilities included in the new report had complete nurse skill assessment records that met the hospitals’ standards, inspectors found. Of the 349 nurses whose files were examined, paperwork showed that 58 lacked skills in at least one area. And for 24 in that group, there was no evidence that anything was done in response.

In an interview, however, the IG official who coordinated the report said she was generally pleased with the findings. Although both the VA and its hospitals had room to improve, she said, all of the hospitals had policies in place and at least some proof of skills in each nurse’s file.

“We never found one single site or even person that didn’t have at least components of competency assessment and validation,” said Carol Torczon, associate director of the St. Petersburg, Fla., office of the inspector general. “Where we found the holes was in the paper process.”

Torczon said she believed that the problems identified in Denver and New York were not reflective on the care generally provided by VA nurses in cardiac monitoring units.

Inspectors in the New York and Colorado cases said they could not definitely tie the deaths of the patients to their nurses’ care. But they noted that their lack of training put patients at risk.

Registered nurses assigned to telemetry units typically place cardiac leads, set parameters for the monitors tracking each patient, verify heart rhythms and take appropriate actions if there is an irregularity. They also enter progress notes and inform doctors of any changes.

After the patient in New York died, inspectors quizzed nurses and a biomedical engineer about what would happen if a patient got disconnected. “According to some staff, a ‘red alarm’ would be triggered since a disconnected lead was considered critical,” the report said, “whereas other staff told us that a disconnected lead would trigger a yellow alarm or that it would not trigger any alarm at all.”

Inspectors also found no evidence that the nurses’ competence had been checked. Records showed that one of the patient’s nurses had last received training on the monitors 13 years earlier.

Two years earlier at a VA hospital in Denver, inspectors looked into the deaths of two patients on cardiac monitors. After the first death, the hospital gave nurses a basic test of their ability to interpret monitor readings: only one of 28 passed, according to a January 2010 report. The nurse in charge when both patients died had never received specialized training in cardiac monitors.

Even after the second patient died in 2009, inspectors found “it was unclear who was responsible for telemetry training, and staff were not aware that policies had been updated.”

Both facilities vowed extensive reforms in responses that were included in the IG reports.

Experts say up-to-date competency evaluations are important because they ensure that nurses, who provide the bulk of the frontline care in hospitals, have the skills for their position.

“It would appear that the old adage ‘inspect what you expect’ has most certainly not been taken very seriously in these environments,” said Hirsch, who was chief nursing officer at UCSF Medical Center for nine years.

After reading the New York and Denver reports, Hirsch said her concern wasn’t the incidents themselves as much as that the competency of the nurses hadn’t been documented or evaluated in a long time.

Had she been in charge, the findings would have caused her “to be really nervous and want to jump on it immediately,” she said.

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State disciplines health-care providers – April 20th update

LocalHealthGuide — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 22:56:19 +0000

Periodically Washington State Department of Health issues an update on disciplinary actions taken against health care providers, including suspensions and revocations of licenses, certifications, or registrations of providers in the state.

The department has also suspends the credentials of people who have been prohibited from practicing in other states.

Information about health care providers is also on the agency’s website.

To find this information 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.

Here is the April 20th update issued by the Washington State Department of Health:

Note: 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.

State disciplines health care providers

OLYMPIA - 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 70 health care professions (e.g., medical doctors, nurses, counselors).

Information about health care providers is on the agency website. 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 County

In March 2012 the Nursing Assistant Program placed the certification of certified nursing assistant Rainier V. Basdeo-Singh (NC10078307) on probation for two years. He borrowed money from a vulnerable adult patient.

Clark County

In March 2012 the Nursing Commission charged registered nurse Natalie Alice Hendricks (RN00113211) with unprofessional conduct for allegedly working as a nurse while her credential was expired.

Grant County

In March 2012 the Nursing Assistant Program charged registered nursing assistant Dorothy A. Butler (NA00116000) with unprofessional conduct. She allegedly observed physical and verbal abuse directed at residents of the adult family home where she worked and failed to report any of the conduct.

King County

In March 2012 the Chemical Dependency Professional Program ended the probation order against chemical dependency professional Frederick Kirk Conner (CO60130003).

In March 2012 the Nursing Assistant Program charged registered nursing assistant Sisilia P. Helu (NA60003530) with unprofessional conduct. She allegedly failed to report several pressure sores on a vulnerable adult patient to the patient’s physician or guardian.

In March 2012 the Nursing Commission charged registered nurse Heidi R. Gabhart (RN00138356) with unprofessional conduct. She was convicted of theft and allegedly failed to disclose the conviction on her reactivation application.

In March 2012 the Nursing Assistant Program granted the application of certified nursing assistant Amenan Natacha Kouakou (NC60260508) and placed her certification on probation for two years. She entered into a continuance order with conditions for the charge of assault — domestic violence.

In March 2012 the Nursing Assistant Program granted the application of registered nursing assistant Max Cong Le (NA60196703) and placed his registration on probation for two years. He was convicted of theft.

In March 2012 the Nursing Assistant Program charged registered nursing assistant Derek C. Machel (NA00105630) with unprofessional conduct. He allegedly failed to comply with terms and conditions set against his registration.

In March 2012 the Massage Program granted the application of Kelly Kolleen McEvoy (MA60269949) and placed conditions against her license. She was convicted of unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia, and theft.

In March 2012 the Secretary of Health charged dental assistant Celia Ann Moody (D160052866) with unprofessional conduct. She allegedly engaged in a sexual relationship with a patient.

In March 2012 the Dental Commission granted the application of dental assistant Hilary Elyse Palmer (D160247364) and placed her registration on probation for the duration of her court-ordered probation. She was convicted of driving under the influence and possession of marijuana. She also entered into a deferred prosecution for the charge of driving under the influence.

In March 2012 the Nursing Assistant Program charged certified nursing assistant Shylia M. Reiber (NC10091511) with unprofessional conduct. She allegedly admitted to taking morphine and methadone tablets from her place of employment for her own use.

In March 2012 the Nursing Assistant Program charged registered nursing assistant Eleanor Romero (NA00157094) with unprofessional conduct. She allegedly neglected a vulnerable adult in her care when she failed to notify the patient’s physician or guardian of sores found on the patient.

Lewis County

In March 2012 the Dental Hygiene Program charged Karen A. Lockhart (DH00001600) with unprofessional conduct. She allegedly billed for services not provided, resulting in an overpayment of at least $14,500.

Pierce County

In March 2012 the Nursing Commission charged licensed practical nurse Catherine Margaret Ervin (LP00038858) with unprofessional conduct. She allegedly failed to keep adequate records of withdrawal and administration of medications to patients.

In March 2012 the Nursing Commission charged registered nurse Jolene Marie Jackson (RN00099195) with unprofessional conduct. She allegedly failed to comply with terms and conditions set against her license.

Snohomish County

In March 2012 the Nursing Assistant Program charged registered nursing assistant Irine W. Kariuki (NA60118756) with unprofessional conduct. She allegedly failed to follow orders to check a patient’s blood sugar at bedtime resulting in the patient being transported to the hospital.

In March 2012 the Nursing Assistant Program corrected a final order against registered nursing assistant Tatyana Ogorodnik (NA60216762). Her application is granted and registration placed on probation for two years.

Spokane County

In March 2012 the Nursing Assistant Program granted the application of registered nursing assistant William Michael Crane (NA60263595) and placed conditions against his registration. He was convicted of theft, two counts of possession of a controlled substance —methamphetamine, and burglary.

In March 2012 the Chemical Dependency Professional Program ended the probation order against chemical dependency professional trainee Damien J. Miller (CO60146084).

After a hearing in March 2012, the Massage Program denied the application of massage therapist applicant Cole Lee Moore (MA60223837). He was convicted of driving under the influence, and assault.

In March 2012 the Nursing Commission charged licensed practical nurse Amy K. Ross (LP00050636) with unprofessional conduct. She allegedly diverted narcotics from her place of employment. She was convicted of criminal possession of a financial transaction card.

In March 2012 the Board of Hearing and Speech reinstated the license of hearing aid fitter/dispenser Scott A. Williams (HA00002083) and placed his license on probation for two years.

Thurston County

In March 2012 the Emergency Medical Services and Trauma Systems Program ended the probation order against paramedic Michael James Wilson (ES60237606).

Yakima County

In March 2012 the Nursing Assistant Program charged registered nursing assistant Rosie Carrazco (NA60196700) with unprofessional conduct. She allegedly had marijuana plants in her personal residence and controlled substances in her possession without a valid prescription.

In March 2012 the Nursing Assistant Program released registered nursing assistant Melanie Jane Arevalo (NA60244525) from terms and conditions set against her registration.

Out of State

Florida: In March 2012 the Nursing Commission charged registered nurse Mary Lee DeLate (RN60020122) with unprofessional conduct. She was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance.

Oregon: In March 2012 the Massage Program charged Brad L. Gray-Kennedy (MA60188011) with unprofessional conduct. He allegedly touched a patient inappropriately while providing massage services to the patient.

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.

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

State disciplines health care providers

LocalHealthGuide — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 23:32:45 +0000

The department has also suspends the credentials of people who have been prohibited from practicing in other states.

Information about health care providers is also on the agency’s website.

To find this information click on “Provider Credential Search” on the left hand side of the Department of Health home page (www.doh.wa.gov).

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.

Here is the March 29th update issued by the Washington State Department of Health:

State disciplines health care providers

OLYMPIA – 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 70 health care professions (e.g., medical doctors, nurses, counselors).

Information about health care providers is on the agency website. 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.

Benton County

In February 2012 the Nursing Assistant Program charged certified nursing assistant Carleen J. Grawl (NC10011749) with unprofessional conduct. She allegedly neglected vulnerable adults while serving as a licensed provider of an adult family home.

In February 2012 the Dental Commission charged dentist James WM Huffman (DE00005580) with unprofessional conduct. He allegedly took a controlled substance from his dental practice for his own use

Clallam County

In March 2012 the Nursing Commission charged registered nurse Sandra Leilani Dalton (RN00057746) with unprofessional conduct. She’s allegedly unable to practice with reasonable skill and safety.

Clark County

In February 2012 the Nursing Assistant Program charged certified nursing assistant Cherri S. Boltz (NC60110832) with unprofessional conduct. She allegedly entered into a romantic and sexual relationship with a patient.

In March 2012 the Board of Pharmacy charged pharmacy technician Cory A. Reese (VA00072656) with unprofessional conduct. He allegedly tested positive for marijuana in a urinalysis provided by his employer.

In February 2012 the Board of Pharmacy ended the probation order against pharmacist Steven R. Tomlinson (PH00010612).

Grays Harbor County

In February 2012 the Examining Board of Psychology released Ryan D. Donahue (PY00003754) from terms and conditions set against his license.

King County

In February 2012 the Medical Commission modified the agreed order against physician Robert G. Haining (MD00008934). His credential remains on probation and restrictions are placed against his license.

In February 2012 the Nursing Commission charged registered and licensed practical nurse Leonard M. Muigua (RN60106705, LP00056164) with unprofessional conduct. He allegedly mentally abused a vulnerable adult while working in an adult family home.

In March 2012 the Health Care Assistant Program granted the application of Alisha Jean Williams (HC60215131) and placed her license on probation for three years. She was convicted of eight counts of forgery.

Kitsap County

In March 2012 the Licensed Mental Health Counselor Program charged licensed mental health counselor Starla S. Allen (LH00004595) with unprofessional conduct. She allegedly failed to comply with prior terms and conditions set against her license.

In February 2012 the Chemical Dependency Professional Program ended the probation order against chemical dependency professional trainee Bettye Jean Dobson (CO60127832).

Mason County

In February 2012 the Chemical Dependency Professional Program reinstated the certification of chemical dependency professional trainee Steven Michael Dorland (CO60225022) and placed it on probation.

Pierce County

In February 2012 the Board of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery released osteopathic physician assistant Kristie Michelle Mattern (OA60206687) from terms and conditions set against her license.

In February 2012 the Dental Commission charged dental assistant Kim M. Shipman (D160087419) with unprofessional conduct. She was convicted of two counts of theft.

In February 2012 the Health Care Assistant Program granted the application of Kariann L. Williams (HC60261292) and placed her license on probation for two years. She was convicted of forgery.

Snohomish County

In March 2012 the Chemical Dependency Professional, Licensed Mental Health Counselor, and Sex Offender Treatment Provider Programs ended the probation order against Rochelle R. Long(CP00003867, LH00007726, AF10000160).

After a hearing in February 2012, the Nursing Assistant Program corrected the final order against registered and certified nursing assistant Lamin Sonko (NA60088539, NC10045877). His credentials remain on probation for 60 months.

Spokane County

In February 2012 the Nursing Commission charged registered nurse Teresa M. Couper (RN00176866) with unprofessional conduct. She allegedly practiced without a valid credential.

In February 2012 the Emergency Medical Services Program released emergency medical technician Raymond W. Hamilton (ES00124034) from terms and conditions set against his certification.

In February 2012 the Nursing Assistant Program charged registered nursing assistant Danny Ray Osborne (NA00131144) with unprofessional conduct. He allegedly physically and mentally abused vulnerable adults while providing services in a supported living setting.

In March 2012 the Dental Commission entered into an agreed order with dentist Thomas F. Weiler (DE00005502) and placed conditions against his license. The care he provided allegedly fell below the standard by failing to adequately diagnose and treat a patient’s condition.

Thurston County

In February 2012 the Nursing Commission charged registered nurse Virginia Hadley (RN00064544) with unprofessional conduct. She allegedly failed to meet standards in caring for a patient who required monitoring, assessment, oxygen, and resuscitation.

Walla Walla County

In February 2012 the Nursing Assistant Program charged certified nursing assistant Elizabeth A. Shelton (NC10088885) with unprofessional conduct. She was convicted of violation of the Uniform Controlled Substance Act — obtaining a controlled substance by fraud.

Yakima County

In February 2012 the Unlicensed Practice Program issued a notice of intent to issue cease-and-desist order against Karyen Thompson. She allegedly impersonated a physician from about 2008 to 2011. She doesn’t hold a license to practice medicine in Washington. She was convicted of two counts of criminal impersonation, two counts of practice without a license, and two counts of possession of stolen property.

Out of State

Florida: In March 2012 the Nursing Commission charged licensed practical nurse Anita M. Johnson (LP00050856) with unprofessional conduct. When applying for a license to practice in Washington, she allegedly failed to disclose licensure and disciplinary actions against her licenses to practice in Wisconsin, Illinois, and Texas.

Idaho: In February 2012 the Board of Pharmacy reinstated the license of pharmacist Michael P. Gardner (PH00010532) and placed conditions against his license with which he must comply.

Idaho: In February 2012 the Nursing Assistant Program ended the probation order against certified nursing assistant Rayna Lynne Potter (NC60202666).

Montana: In February 2012 the Nursing Commission charged registered nurse Jason C. Shaffer (RN00161748) with unprofessional conduct. He allegedly failed to comply with terms and conditions set against his license.

Ohio: In February 2012 the Medical Commission released physician David C. Blocker (MD00027013) from terms and conditions set against his license. Dr. Blocker’s license is unrestricted in Washington.

Washington state disciplines healthcare providers

LocalHealthGuide — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 23:02:39 +0000

The department has also suspends the credentials of people who have been prohibited from practicing in other states.

Information about health care providers is also on the agency’s website.

To find this information click on “Provider Credential Search” on the left hand side of the Department of Health home page (www.doh.wa.gov).

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.

Here is the February 29th update issued by the Washington State Department of Health:

State disciplines health care providers

OLYMPIA - 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 70 health care professions (e.g., medical doctors, nurses, counselors).

Information about health care providers is on the agency website. 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.

Benton County

In January 2012 the Nursing Commission entered into an agreed order with registered nurse Jill E. Bocol (RN00131423) and placed conditions against her license. She failed to comply with prior terms and conditions set against her license.

King County

In February 2012 the Nursing Assistant Program amended the statement of charges against certified nursing assistant Ashleigh Futrell (NC10099613). She allegedly failed to comply with terms and conditions set against her certification, and failed to administer medication to a patient.

In February 2012 the Nursing Assistant Program ended the probation order against certified nursing assistant Vesselina Ivanova (NC60138500).

In February 2012 the Nursing Assistant Program charged certified nursing assistant Janet Wanjiku Williams (NC60058759) with unprofessional conduct. She allegedly showed a patient a pornographic image on a cell phone.

In February 2012 the Nursing Commission placed the license of registered nurse Beth V. Yost (RN00156078) on probation for two years. She administered medication without physician authorization.

Lewis County

In February 2012 the Unlicensed Practice Program notified Ona Ahrens of intent to issue a cease-and-desist order for practicing as a health care professional without credentials. Allegations include diagnosing and treating conditions, collecting patient medical histories, providing nutritional counseling, and using the initials “C.N.,” which indicates certified nutritionist, in her business advertising. She’s also known as Ona Harding and Ona Harding-Ahrens.

In February 2012 the Nursing Commission charged registered nurse Susan M. Smith (RN00092786) with unprofessional conduct. Allegations include failing to transfer care of a patient, failing to inform a patient’s physician of a change in condition, and giving a patient morphine without following the physician’s order to give the patient nitroglycerin tablets before morphine.

Pacific County

In February 2012 the Midwifery Program charged Tamra K. Roloff (MW00000283) with unprofessional conduct. It’s alleged that the care she provided fell below the standard, placing the patient at unreasonable risk of harm or injury. Allegations included failing to chart patient care, assess maternal vital signs during labor, address maternal fever in labor, or transferring the patient to a hospital when labor didn’t progress.

Pierce County

In February 2012 the Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Program amended the statement of charges against marriage and family therapist Heidi Halsey (LF00001125). When treating a minor patient she allegedly failed to obtain consent from both parents or seek information about medical decisions in the parenting plan, created boundary confusion when treating the parents of the minor, failed to maintain confidentiality between the patients, ended therapy with one of the patients without referring to another therapist, and advertised credentials she didn’t have.

In February 2012 the Nursing Assistant and Health Care Assistant Programs charged registered nursing assistant and health care assistant Amanda Elizabeth Olmos (NA60109158, HC60018788) with unprofessional conduct. She was convicted of assault.

In February 2012 the Dental Commission ended the probation order against dental assistant Kim M. Shipman (D160087419).

Skagit County

In January 2012 the Nursing Commission entered into an agreed order with registered nurse Laura C. Edwards (RN00134145) and placed conditions against her license. She took controlled substances that were ready to be wasted for her own use.

Snohomish County

In February 2012 the Nursing Assistant and Health Care Assistant Programs reinstated the certification and license of Buba J. Bojang (NC10026544, HC00143549) and placed his credentials on probation for five years.

In February 2012 the Nursing Commission charged licensed practical nurse Mamat Cham (LP00058679) with unprofessional conduct. Allegations include releasing students from their clinical work three hours early on many occasions, asking a student personal and inappropriate questions, and making sexual comments to a student.

In February 2012 the Nursing Commission charged licensed practical nurse Elaine B. Fast (LP00034908) with unprofessional conduct for failing to comply with terms and conditions set against her license.

In February 2012 the Nursing Assistant Program placed the registration and certification of Lamin Sonko (NA60088539, NC10045877) on probation for 60 months. He used another person’s identity and certified nursing assistant credential to gain employment.

Spokane County

In February 2012 the Chiropractic Commission charged chiropractor Michael Allen Baker (CH00001832) with unprofessional conduct for failing to comply with terms and conditions set against his license. He’s also charged with billing for treatment purportedly provided by an employee after the employee no longer worked at that office, using billing codes not supported by treatment documentation, and treating patients with an expired license.

In February 2012 the Dental Commission released Jennifer K. Preble (D260139154), expanded function dental auxiliary credential holder, from terms and conditions set against her credential.

Walla Walla County

In February 2012 the Chemical Dependency Professional and Licensed Social Worker Programs charged chemical dependency professional and licensed social worker Kim E. Funderburk (CP00005068, LW60020675) with unprofessional conduct. The treatment she provided allegedly

fell below the standard, undermining the therapeutic relationships with patients creating a risk of harm to her patients.

Whatcom County

In February 2012 the Board of Pharmacy granted the application of pharmacist Michael Alexander Glen (PH60216257) and placed his license on probation. His license to practice as a pharmacist in California was placed on probation.

Yakima County

In February 2012 the Chemical Dependency Professional Program charged chemical dependency professional Tamara J. Brantley (CP60029637) with unprofessional conduct for admitted use of cocaine and failing to respond to department inquiries about the drug use.

In February 2012 the Nursing Assistant and Counselor Programs charged registered nursing assistant and agency affiliated counselor Teresa Jean Campbell (NA00097240, CG60159143) with unprofessional conduct. She allegedly appeared intoxicated at work, tested positive for alcohol, and was fired for failure to maintain sobriety.

Out of State

Oregon: In February 2012 the Health Care Assistant Program charged Ronda Susan Rose (HC60108767) with unprofessional conduct. She was convicted of assault, and aiming or discharging firearms.

Oregon: In February 2012 the Marriage and Family Therapist Program entered into an agreed order with marriage and family therapist Susan Spillane-Bramlette (LF00001909). She provided therapy to a client without written consent to treatment, failed to provide separate personal/medical information for a client, revealed information about counseling sessions with a client without a signed information release, and contacted a client and asked the client to provide her with a written message in support of her breach of confidentiality.

Virginia: In February 2012 the Chemical Dependency Professional Program ended the probation order against chemical dependency professional Linda F. Schauer (CP60109882).

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.

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

Washington state disciplines health-care providers

LocalHealthGuide — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 20:06:26 +0000

The department has also suspends the credentials of people who have been prohibited from practicing in other states.

Information about health care providers is also on the agency’s website.

To find this information click on “Provider Credential Search” on the left hand side of the Department of Health home page (www.doh.wa.gov).

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.

Here is the February 15th update issued by the Washington State Department of Health:

State disciplines health care providers

OLYMPIA – 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 70 health care professions (e.g., medical doctors, nurses, counselors).

Information about health care providers is on the agency website. 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.

Chelan County

In January 2012 the Nursing Assistant Program charged certified nursing assistant Dulce Ibarra (NC60014795) with unprofessional conduct. The charges allege that she falsely documented a patient’s pulse and withheld a patient’s medication as a result of the pulse number. She’s also charged with providing a patient with the wrong medications, and failing to arm the alarm on the door of the adult family home where she worked, allowing a patient to leave the home.

Clark County

In January 2012 the Veterinary Board of Governors ended the probation order against veterinary technician Michelle M. Lacey (AT60014514).

In January 2012 the Nursing Assistant Program placed the registration and certification of Sasha Wisner (NA60066200, NC60104904) on probation for two years. She failed to take vital sign readings but wrote down vital sign numbers in patient records. She must comply with terms and conditions set against her registration and certification.

Franklin County

In January 2012 the Health Care Assistant and X-Ray Technician Programs placed the credentials of James R. H. Maxwell (HC00150727, XT00004119) on probation for two years. He performed duties outside the scope of his health care assistant and X-ray technician credentials. He must comply with terms and conditions set against his credentials.

In January 2012 the Radiologic Technologist Program granted the application of James R. H. Maxwell (RT60243067) and placed his license on probation for two years. He entered into an agreed order against his credentials to practice as a health care assistant and an X-ray technician.

Island County

In January 2012 the Nursing Assistant Program ended the probation order against registered nursing assistant Lisa M. Bass (NA00192850).

King County

In January 2012 the Medical Commission entered into an agreed order with physician John H. Addison (MD00018359) and placed conditions against his license. He employed a physician to see patients in his office who wasn’t licensed to practice in Washington.

In January 2012 the Dental Commission charged dentist with a conscious sedation permit Thoa V. Nguyen (DE00008172, CS10000405) with unprofessional conduct. The care he provided allegedly fell below the standard when sedating patients, failing to monitor patients under sedation, failing to keep adequate records, failing to supply adequate records when requested, keeping sedation drugs in an unlocked refrigerator, and violating Drug Enforcement Agency regulations.

In January 2012 the Emergency Medical Services and Trauma Systems Program ended the probation order against emergency medical technician Thomas J. Osterdahl (ES60094598).

In January 2012 the Chiropractic Commission released chiropractor Greg Pfiffner (CH00002939) from terms and conditions set against his license.

In January 2012 the Denturist Program charged Victor R. Plavsky (DN00000296) with unprofessional conduct. He’s allegedly out of compliance with billing standards, made unlawful claims for compensation, and unlawfully provided and billed for services while his license was expired.

In January 2012 the Board of Pharmacy charged pharmacy assistant Austa Smith (VB00069600), also known as Austa Bienville, with unprofessional conduct. She was convicted of murder in the second degree — domestic violence.

Kitsap County

In January 2012 the Chiropractic Commission amended the statement of charges against chiropractor Marc A. Ferrin (CH00033961). He was convicted of theft and attempted criminal liability of person making false statement for falsely billing the Department of Labor and Industries for treatment he hadn’t provided to nine different patients.

In January 2012 the Nursing Assistant Program granted the application of registered nursing assistant Sandra Lynne Ingram (NA60251526) and placed conditions against her registration. She was convicted of unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of stolen property, possession of another’s identification, and driving while license suspended.

Pierce County

In January 2012 the Counselor Program granted the application of agency affiliated counselor Tiffany Nicole Smorch (CG60231263) and placed her registration on probation for two years. She was convicted of retail fraud.

In January 2012 the Nursing Assistant Program denied the application of registered nursing assistant applicant Katie Lee Tatum (NA60237071). She was convicted of bank fraud.

In January 2012 the Counselor Program charged agency affiliated counselor Lisa L. Waugh (CG60153669) with unprofessional conduct. She allegedly entered into personal relationships with patients and disclosed personal information about a patient to another patient without a disclosure release.

Skagit County

In January 2012 the Dental Commission charged dentist Andrew T. Lai (DE00009768) with unprofessional conduct. The care he provided allegedly fell below the standard when treating a patient. He also allegedly failed to pay registration fees for his X-ray machines to the department.

In January 2012 the Emergency Medical Services and Trauma Systems and Health Care Assistant Programs released emergency medical technician and health care assistant Joseph T. Pollino(ES60171377, HC60229558) from terms and conditions set against his credentials.

Snohomish County

In January 2012 the Nursing Assistant Program charged certified nursing assistant Josephine Karangan (NC10056110) with unprofessional conduct. Allegations include pushing a patient’s legs back into bed, shoving a patient into her wheelchair, making degrading comments to a patient, and pinching a patient’s nose to force liquid medication into the patient’s mouth.

In January 2012 the Chiropractic Commission released chiropractor Matthew D’Alton Nash (CH00003646) from terms and conditions set against his license.

In January 2012 the Nursing Assistant Program charged certified nursing assistant Danielle Thomas (NC10086847) with unprofessional conduct. She allegedly stole jewelry from a patient’s mother and sold it for about $3,000. She was convicted of attempted theft.

Spokane County

In January 2012 the Nursing Assistant Program ended the probation order against certified nursing assistant Clare L. Marshall (NC10077571).

Thurston County

In January 2012 the Nursing Assistant Program ended the probation order against certified nursing assistant Marsha V. Edwards (NC10043137).

In January 2012 the Chiropractic Commission charged chiropractor Jeffry A. Finnigan (CH00001437) with unprofessional conduct. He allegedly failed to provide adequate patient exams prior to treatment, failed to keep adequate records, and failed to keep sufficient patient documentation to justify the billing records.

Walla Walla County

In January 2012 the Respiratory Care Practitioner Program charged Stephen D. Miller (LR60076415) with unprofessional conduct. He was convicted of assault.

Yakima County

In January 2012 the Chiropractic Commission ended the probation order against chiropractor William Duane Harrington (CH00003133).

In January 2012 the Chemical Dependency Professional Program ended the probation order against chemical dependency professional trainee Russell Gene Taylor (CO60116194).

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.

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