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 January 26th 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

The Washington State Department of Health has taken disciplinary actions or withdrawn charges against health care providers in our state.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 December 2011 the Nursing Assistant Program charged registered nursing assistant Frances J. Pocan (NA00189315) with unprofessional conduct. A patient allegedly gave her money to pay the patient’s bills, and she failed to pay the bills or return the money to the patient.

Clark County

In December 2011 the Massage Program charged Douglas L. Black (MA00011374) with unprofessional conduct for allegedly having a sexual relationship with a patient.

In December 2011 the Medical Commission charged physician Patrick Chau (MD00030053) with unprofessional conduct. Allegations include failing to comply with terms and conditions set against his license, prescribing controlled substances inadequate notes about why he prescribed the substances, and failing to follow-up with patients.

Douglas County 

In December 2011 the Nursing Assistant Program charged registered nursing assistant Maria Elena Vasquez (NA60168663) with unprofessional conduct. She allegedly borrowed money from a patient and failed to repay the loan.

Jefferson County

In December 2011 the Veterinary Board of Governors released veterinarian Joyce M. Murphy (VT00001824) from terms and conditions set against her license.

King County 

In December 2011 the Unlicensed Practice Program notified Steve Becker that it intends to issue a cease-and-desist order. He’s charged with performing a forensic evaluation, administering psychological tests, and diagnosing a patient without a valid psychologist or counselor license.

In December 2011 the Dental Commission granted the application of dental assistant Jaime Lynn Clarke (D160231847) and placed conditions against her registration. She was convicted of driving under the influence and entered into a deferred prosecution for charges of driving under the influence.

In January 2012 the Nursing Commission amended the statement of charges against registered nurse Flor D. Cruz (RN00076122). She allegedly failed to act on a patient’s change in vital signs, failed to perform a complete assessment of the patient, and failed to communicate the changes in the patient’s condition to a physician or other staff. She also allegedly rented a room in her house to a former inmate at the jail where she worked, and checked the inmates medical records without authorization.

In December 2011 the Secretary of Health ended the probation order against physician Terrill L. Harrington (MD00038084).

In December 2011 the Nursing Assistant Program charged certified nursing assistant Gus Ernie Hayes (NC10013627) with unprofessional conduct. He was convicted of violating a no-contact order and entered a deferred prosecution for charges of assault, malicious mischief, and resisting arrest.

In December 2011 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 January 2012 the Chemical Dependency Professional Program granted the application of chemical dependency professional trainee Jina Marie Milius (CO60185460) and placed conditions against her certification. She was convicted of vehicular homicide, theft, and underage alcohol possession.

In December 2011 the Health Care Assistant Program ended the probation order against Laura Lena Miller (HC60068282, HC60151774).

In December 2011 the Dental Commission charged dentist Steven H. Nguyen (DE00008242) with unprofessional conduct. It’s alleged that he knowingly allowed an employee without a valid license to perform denturist and dental assistant duties.

In December 2011 the Nursing Assistant Program charged certified nursing assistant Krystal J. Shoulders (NC10100007) with unprofessional conduct. She allegedly took a patient’s debit card and purchased about $250 of groceries for her own use.

In December 2011 the Nursing Assistant Program ended the probation order against certified nursing assistant Maylee B. Vo (NC60156056).

Kitsap County

In December 2011 the Nursing Assistant Program charged registered nursing assistant Ashley Marie Rowland (NA60102636) with unprofessional conduct. She entered into a deferred prosecution for the charge of theft.

Lewis County

In December 2011 the Nursing Assistant Program denied the application of registered nursing assistant applicant Lisa J. Sipe (NA60255488). She was convicted of child molestation.

Mason County

In December 2011 the Chemical Dependency Program denied the application of chemical dependency professional trainee applicant Joseph Lee Schaeffer (CO60245631). He was convicted of methamphetamine possession, two counts of driving with a suspended license, two counts of domestic violence assault, attempting to elude police, and resisting arrest.

Pierce County

In December 2011 the Nursing Assistant Program charged registered nursing assistant Katie J. Byrd (NA60214486) with unprofessional conduct. Allegations include sleeping while caring for a patient, smoking marijuana with the patient, driving the patient while under the influence, and shoplifting. She also allegedly had the patient pawn jewelry so she could get a tattoo.

In December 2011 the Chemical Dependency Professional Program charged chemical dependency professional Terrance O. Jones (CP60044697) with unprofessional conduct. He was convicted of three counts of domestic violence assault, marijuana possession, and two counts of violating a no-contact order.

In January 2012 the Counselor Program ended the probation order against agency affiliated counselor and certified counselor Sabryna D. Klug (CG60165266, CL60165237).

In December 2011 the Nursing Commission placed licensed practical nurse Nancy L. Picou (LP00047746) on probation for five years. She allegedly received prescriptions for controlled substances for herself, filled them, and gave them to her husband.

Spokane County

In January 2012 the Certified Counselor Program granted the application of Michael Tyrone Deal (CL60246873) and placed conditions against his certificate. He was convicted of two counts of obstructing police, driving without a license, false statement, two counts of possessing stolen property, attempting to elude police, driving with a suspended license, and illegal drug conduct.

In January 2012 the Nursing Assistant Program granted the application of certified nursing assistant Julie Raeann Potts (NC10096507) and placed her certification on probation. She entered into a deferred sentence for an assault charge.

Thurston County

In January 2012 the Nursing Assistant Program reinstated the certification of James R. Pollard (NC10085152).

Yakima County

In January 2012 the Unlicensed Practice Program notified Randy Allan of its intent to issue a cease-and-desist order. He allegedly advertised and represented himself as an equine dentist without evidence that he is supervised by a licensed veterinarian.

In January 2012 the Chemical Dependency Professional Program granted the application of chemical dependency professional trainee Frances Salinas Gonzalez (CO60256819) and placed her certification on probation for three years. She was convicted of solicitation to obtain Vicodin by fraud, and driving under the influence. Her registered counselor credential was suspended for two years.

Out of State

Virginia: In December 2011 the Nursing Commission reinstated the license of registered nurse Brandon L. Bailey (RN00176831) and placed his license on expired status until he meets reactivation requirements.

 

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 January 13th 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.

Benton County

In December 2011 the Nursing Assistant Program reinstated the registration of Victoria A. Cuello (NA00191993) and placed conditions against her registration with which she must comply.

In December 2011 the Nursing Commission placed the license of registered nurse and advanced registered nurse practitioner Carol J. Thamert (RN00147397, AP30007371) on probation for one year. She was unable to practice with reasonable skill and safety. She must comply with established terms and conditions to ensure that she’s able to practice safely.

Clark County 

In December 2011 the Health Care Assistant Program ended the probation order against Amy Lynn Hanson (HC60077214).

In December 2011 the Board of Pharmacy charged pharmacist James E. McConkey (PH00056030) with unprofessional conduct. He allegedly wrongfully distributed medication and took pharmacy stock medication for his own use. He pleaded guilty to one count of theft.

Grant County

In December 2011 the Nursing Assistant Program charged certified nursing assistant Mary Jane Collins (NC10037960) with unprofessional conduct. She allegedly entered into an inappropriate relationship with a patient.

 King County

In December 2011 the Nursing Commission ended the probation order against registered nurse Patricia M. Berryessa (RN00090633).

In December 2011 the Nursing Commission reinstated the license of licensed practical nurse Suzanne M. Clark (LP00035592) and placed her license on probation. She must comply with terms and conditions set against her license.

In December 2011 the Dental Commission granted the application of dental assistant Cynthia Roxana Cuellar (D160193176) and placed her registration on probation for three years. She was convicted of assault. She must comply with terms and conditions set against her registration.

In December 2011 the Board of Pharmacy entered into an agreed order with pharmacist Jeff Gebenus (PH00042289) and will monitor his license for two years. He directed pharmacy assistants to extemporaneously compound prescriptions which is outside the scope of practice for a pharmacy assistant. He must comply with terms and conditions set against his license.

In December 2011 the Chemical Dependency Professional Program granted the application of chemical dependency professional trainee Fabian Lamont Miller (CO60250601) and placed conditions against his certification with which he must comply. Terms and conditions were set against his certification to practice as a nursing assistant.

In December 2011 the Chemical Dependency Professional Program ended the probation order against chemical dependency professional trainee Patricia Ann Murphy (CO60143969).

In December 2011 the Agency Affiliated Counselor Program ended the probation order against Elena I. Samuels (CG60150539).

Klickitat County

In December 2011 the Massage Program ended the probation order against Christine R. Cruse (MA60012594).

Lewis County

In December 2011 the Nursing Commission charged registered nurse Michelle I. Eskridge (RN00153974) with unprofessional conduct. She allegedly failed to document administration of medication to patient and failed to follow the medication orders for the patient.

Pierce County

In December 2011 the Nursing Commission placed the license of licensed practical nurse Clarice C. Freeman (LP00046535) on probation for 60 months. She was convicted of reckless driving, two counts of hit and run unattended vehicle, and failure to remain at injury accident. She must comply with terms and conditions set against her license.

In December 2011 the Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Program charged Heidi Halsey (LF00001125) with unprofessional conduct. She allegedly failed to comply with terms and conditions set against her license, failed to get parental consent for a minor patient’s parents, failed to respect a court-ordered parenting plan for a patient, failed to keep confidentiality when treating patients, violated boundaries with patients when giving confidential information, and failed to refer a patient to another therapist when ending treatment with the patient.

Snohomish County

In December 2011 the Chemical Dependency Professional Program ended the probation against chemical dependency professional trainee Melody J. Poe (CO60153654).

In December 2011 the Board of Pharmacy charged pharmacy assistant and pharmacy technician Melissa Retasket (VB60010626, VA60105412), also known as Melissa Rucker, with unprofessional conduct. She allegedly tested positive for methamphetamine during a random drug screen.

In December 2011 the Nursing Commission placed the license of registered nurse Carol Ann Schreck (RN00110142) on probation for two years. She failed to verify a physician had been notified in a change in condition of a patient contributing to the patient’s death. She must comply with terms and conditions set against her license.

Spokane County

In December 2011 the Nursing Assistant Program amended the final order against registered nursing assistant Alana Jane Barry (NA60120658) and placed her registration on probation for

three years. She took drugs with a patient on more than one occasion, and failed to respond to a Department of Health investigator inquiry. She must comply with terms and conditions set against her registration.

In December 2011 the Hypnotherapy Program released Jayne E. Helle (HP10000120) from terms and conditions set against her registration.

Thurston County

In December 2011 the Board of Pharmacy ended the probation order against pharmacist James H. Bryan (PH00022134).

In December 2011 the Nursing Assistant Program charged registered nursing assistant Deborah

Kendrick (NA00193662) with unprofessional conduct. She allegedly yelled at a patient using

profane language and locked the patient in a bathroom for an extended period of time.

Whatcom County

In December 2011 the Nursing Commission entered into an agreed order with registered nurse and advanced registered nurse practitioner Michael Alan Gregory (RN00116736, AP30003674) and placed conditions against his license with which he must comply. He entered into a personal and sexual relationship with a patient.

Yakima County

In December 2011 the Nursing Assistant Program granted the application of registered nursing assistant Melanie Jane Arevalo (NA60244525) and placed conditions against her registration with which she must comply. She was charged with assault — domestic violence and failed to disclose the charges on her application.

In November 2011 the Board of Pharmacy denied the application of pharmacy assistant applicant Lettiysha Elena Morales (VB60253204). Morales was convicted of theft and negligent driving.

In December 2011 the Board of Pharmacy charged pharmacy assistant Jason R. Whiley (VB60076882) with unprofessional conduct. He allegedly diverted controlled substances from his place of employment.

Out of State

California: In December 2011 the Nursing Commission placed the license of registered nurse Christine A. Gotelli (RN00104776) on probation for three years. The California State Board revoked her registered nurse license. She must comply with terms and conditions set against her license.

Georgia: In December 2011 the Nursing Commission lifted the suspension of registered nurse David B. Waters (RN60182762) and placed conditions against his license with which he must comply.

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.

Physician Assistant Kate Franko shows medical images to kidney transplant patient Jose Reyna at UC San Diego Medical Center (Photo by Jenny Gold/KHN).

By Jenny Gold
KHN Staff Writer 

SAN DIEGO — Hospitals are usually eager to embrace the latest medical technology, but the road to deploying tablet computers has been bumpy.

iPads have been available since April 2010, but less than one percent of hospitals have fully functional tablet systems, according to Jonathan Mack, director of clinical research and development at the West Wireless Health Institute, a San Diego-based nonprofit focused on lowering the cost of health care through new technology.

“We’re really lagging behind in the U.S. in using electronic medical records on mobile devices like iPads,” Mack says.

The federal government is giving hospitals financial incentives to implement electronic records systems, which can cost a health system between $2 million and $16 million, depending on size, says Mack.

The most popular systems don’t yet make apps that allow doctors to use electronic medical records on a tablet the way they would on a desktop or laptop. To use a mobile device effectively requires a complete redesign of the way information is presented, Mack says.

And that would require hospitals to “cough up a lot more money,” he says. “When you look at a health system that has bought into an EMR, they’re not ready to turn the boat around and start over.”

UC San Diego Health System’s experience with iPads illustrates both the promise and the challenge of using tablet technology at hospitals. Doctors there have been using the iPad since it first came out, but a year and a half later, only 50 to 70 –less than 10 percent of physicians– are using them. Physician Assistant Kate Franko, who is part of the hospital’s transplant team, has been one of the pioneers.

On a brisk day in December, Franko stood by the bedside of patient Jose Reyna, a 24-year-old student who had received a new kidney just days earlier after three years of dialysis.

Franko scrolled through Reyna’s full medical records on her iPad 2, checking his vitals and doctor notes. She also pulled up a graph of data points from his blood labs over the past week, charting the functioning of his new kidney, to help him visualize exactly how well he was progressing. “Your kidney is starting to pick up,” she tells him.

Virginia Mason has established a national reputation for its efforts to apply the super-efficient “lean production” system, developed by the car manufacturer Toyota, to health-care delivery.

The hospital says its application of the Toyota Production System’s approach to health care has significantly improved the quality of its care and the morale of its staff.

Treatment is more timely, delays are fewer and quality has improved, the hospital says.

At the same, time it “has meant less rework and frustration for staff” and helped control the cost of care, the hospital says.

The purpose of the new center is to evaluate the effectiveness of hospital’s improvement initiatives more rigorously and publish the results in medical journals and other publications.

Craig Blackmore, MD, MPH, will serve as director of the Center for Health Services Research.

“The role of the center will be to collect that data, apply the rigor of science and academic peer review, and publish it so that it can be scrutinized and applied by health care providers around the globe,” Dr. Blackmore said.

The Center for Health Services Research will also support the scholarly and publication efforts of Virginia Mason’s education programs that train medical residents, nurses, pharmacists and other health care professionals.

Polyclinic introduces clinical research department with international HDL study

Seattle’s Polyclinic has launched a clinical research department with a study sponsored by Oxford University. The study, called REVEAL, will test whether new drug Anacetrapib can boost levels of the “good cholesterol” HDL in patients 50 years or older with a history of heart attack, coronary artery disease, or type I or II diabetes. “The only currently available therapy with an effect on HDL is niacin, which raises levels by 20% to 30% but can cause uncomfortable side effects,” the medical group says. Press Release.

Virginia Mason and Wenatchee Valley Medical Center to Begin Cardiac Affiliation

Virginia Mason and Wenatchee Valley Medical Center have formed a “cardiac affiliation” in which physicians from the two medical centers will collaborate on patient care and share best practices. Activities include:

• Weekly Grand Rounds
• Consultation on cases requiring technology and techniques not available in Wenatchee
• Development of cardiology order-sets and clinical protocols
• Weekly cardiac catheterization conferences and collaborative case reviews
• Shadowing opportunities
• Continuing medical education
• Site visits
• Community outreach events

To learn more read the full press release.

Merck for Mothers and PATH to collaborate on project to reduce maternal deaths

The pharmaceutical company Merck has awarded a grant to the Seattle global health non-profit PATH to “evaluate more than 30 promising technologies at various stages of development that address the two leading causes of maternal mortality—post-partum hemorrhage and preeclampsia—as well as family planning.”

The initiative is part of Merck’s “Merck for Mothers” program.

“The partnership, valued at $2.5 million and extending through Fall 2012, will integrate private- and public-sector expertise to help evaluate affordable and easy-to-use maternal health technologies that work in resource-poor settings.” Press Release.

PRESS RELEASE MATERIAL

Polyclinic introduces clinical research department with international HDL study

SEATTLE, Wash. – The Polyclinic is participating in a major international clinical research study aimed at raising HDL (good cholesterol) levels. As an entirely new department at The Polyclinic, clinical research opens up an additional arm of medicine for patients and physicians alike. The Polyclinic recognizes clinical research as an enhancement to its mission of providing high-quality, comprehensive, personalized health care.

“Patients who participate in clinical research studies are ultimately contributing to better health care,” said Polyclinic Chief Medical Officer Michael Tronolone, MD, MMM. “It leads to new discoveries that improve quality of life, and also the lives of future generations.”

Having grown significantly since its creation a year ago, the department aims to focus on research studies addressing significant unmet medical needs. Polyclinic physicians welcome the addition of the department, as it increases patients’ options for treatment and their ability to participate in research.

“Not all patients achieve optimum health with currently available medications,” said Dr. Tronolone. “The Polyclinic clinical research department can now play a part in improving outcomes.”

This international HDL study, now enrolling participants, will test whether new drug Anacetrapib can boost HDL levels in patients 50 years or older with a history of heart attack, coronary artery disease, or type I or II diabetes.

The study, entitled REVEAL and sponsored by Oxford University, will include 30,000 individuals worldwide with 180 sites in the United States.

The only currently available therapy with an effect on HDL is niacin, which raises levels by 20% to 30% but can cause uncomfortable side effects.

“Although we have excellent methods of treating heart disease, current therapies have plateaued and further progress is needed,” said Dr. Kier Huehnergarth, Polyclinic

cardiologist and principal investigator for the REVEAL study. “By participating in this research, The Polyclinic hopes to provide patients with even more protection against a future heart attack.”

Patients who qualify for this study will attend five clinic visits in the first year and biannual clinic visits thereafter. They will also receive a stipend for each visit as well as lab tests and study medication at no cost. The study will continue to enroll throughout the next several months.

The Polyclinic clinical research department studies are open to anyone who meets the criteria, regardless of their status as a Polyclinic patient. Other studies currently enrolling are focused on lupus, overactive bladder, nocturia (nighttime urination), and HIV. Each study is administered by a Polyclinic physician who acts as the principal investigator and is assisted by the staff of the research department.

For more information about the REVEAL study and other clinical research studies at The Polyclinic, or to find out if you qualify, visit www.polyclinic.com/clinical-research or call 206-860-5433.

# # #

PRESS RELEASE MATERIAL

Virginia Mason and Wenatchee Valley Medical Center to Begin Cardiac Affiliation

SEATTLE – (Dec. 5, 2011) – Virginia Mason and Wenatchee Valley Medical Center have entered into a new cardiac affiliation. This affiliation represents two outstanding health care organizations, who share similar values, formalizing a relationship to provide the residents of North Central Washington with access to high-quality, efficient and cost-effective health care. This is an opportunity for two like-minded organizations to further dedicate themselves to transforming health care, with a focus on improving the patient experience and value of care.

As part of the arrangement, physicians from Wenatchee Valley Medical Center and Virginia Mason will collaborate on numerous aspects of patient care and share best practices with one another. Some of the activities include:

• Weekly Grand Rounds
• Consultation on cases requiring technology and techniques not available in Wenatchee
• Development of cardiology order-sets and clinical protocols
• Weekly cardiac catheterization conferences and collaborative case reviews
• Shadowing opportunities
• Continuing medical education
• Site visits
• Community outreach events

“We look forward to this affiliation with Wenatchee Valley Medical Center, as our patients and providers throughout the state will ultimately benefit from what these exceptional organizations have to offer,” says Sarah Patterson, Virginia Mason executive vice president and chief operating officer. “Virginia Mason has served many eastern Washington patients over the years, and we are excited to build on this service as our partnership with WVMC takes shape.”

“This affiliation is a tremendous opportunity for Wenatchee Valley Medical Center and the patients it serves to have organized access to and interaction with a high quality health care organization that shares our values of patient-centered value-based care,” says Peter Rutherford, MD, CEO and Chairman of Wenatchee Valley Medical Center. “We will be able to learn from each other and improve patient care for all.”

# # #

PRESS RELEASE MATERIAL

Merck for Mothers and PATH Collaborate to Identify Innovations that Save Mothers’ Lives

Alliance is Key Step in Bringing Sustainable, Affordable Technologies to the Mothers Who Need Them Most

Whitehouse Station, N.J. and Seattle, W.A., December 5, 2011 – Merck (NYSE: MRK), known as MSD outside the United States and Canada, awarded a grant to PATH, a global health nonprofit, to identify game-changing technologies with potential to save the lives of women during pregnancy and childbirth in low-resource settings. Spearheaded by top scientists from Merck for Mothers and PATH, this unique alliance will evaluate more than 30 promising technologies at various stages of development that address the two leading causes of maternal mortality—post-partum hemorrhage and preeclampsia—as well as family planning. The partnership, valued at $2.5 million and extending through Fall 2012, will integrate private- and public-sector expertise to help evaluate affordable and easy-to-use maternal health technologies that work in resource-poor settings.

“PATH is excited to collaborate with Merck to make measurable reductions in maternal mortality,” said Dr. Michael J. Free, vice president and senior advisor for technologies, PATH. “Combining our capabilities will allow the most effective technologies to enter the market, without the usual barriers that come from the lack of private-sector incentives. This is an opportunity to advance needed technologies and make a great impact on maternal health around the world.”

“There are many promising, life-saving maternal health innovations that, left to current market forces, would not reach the mothers who need them, when they need them, at a price they can afford,” said Dr. Naveen Rao, who is leading Merck for Mothers. “By collaborating with PATH, which has deep expertise in developing solutions for the world’s greatest health problems, we will help bring important technologies to countries where women are dying at some of the highest rates.  By doing so, we will fulfill a key part of the commitment of Merck for Mothers to advance product development in post-partum hemorrhage, preeclampsia and family planning toward achieving United Nations’ Millennium Development Goal 5.”

Merck for Mothers is a new 10-year, half-billion-dollar initiative to create a world where no woman has to die from preventable complications of pregnancy and childbirth (merckformothers.com).  Drawing on the company’s history of discovering innovative, life-saving medicines and vaccines, Merck for Mothers will apply Merck’s scientific and business expertise—as well as its financial resources and experience in taking on tough global healthcare challenges—to reduce maternal mortality around the world.  As part of its focus, the program will seek to accelerate access to proven solutions; develop game-changing prevention, diagnostic and treatment technologies; and support public awareness, improved policies and broader private-sector engagement in the area of maternal health. The collaboration with PATH is a key step in Merck for Mothers’ rapid development of game-changing technologies in maternal health, and the company will leverage the learnings to build an investment strategy for accelerating the development of these technologies.

Researchers at Merck’s Development Center in Oss, Netherlands and PATH’s Technology Solutions Global Program in Seattle will work together to advance promising technologies in different stages of development, with an initial goal of identifying three to five maternal health breakthroughs in the next 12-18 months. The collaboration will evaluate technologies in the prevention, diagnostic and treatment areas for the different stages of pregnancy and childbirth and compare them across multiple parameters, such as commercialization potential, user and stakeholder acceptability and time to impact.

Potential technologies for assessment include:

• Treatments for the prevention of post-partum hemorrhage to assist women in the third stage of labor.

• Pre-natal preeclampsia screening tool to identify high risk women and significantly increase survival rates.

• Effective family planning interventions that are relatively easy to use to encourage higher adherence.

About Maternal Mortality

In the next decade, it is estimated that as many as three million women may die from complications of pregnancy and childbirth. The majority of these maternal deaths are preventable.

The United Nations’ Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) seek to address the world’s greatest development priorities, with MDG5 focused on reducing the maternal mortality ratio by 75 percent and creating universal access to reproductive health. However, several countries around the world run the risk of failing to meet this goal unless good-quality reproductive health services and well-timed interventions are supplied.

About PATH

PATH is an international nonprofit organization that transforms global health through innovation. PATH takes an entrepreneurial approach to developing and delivering high-impact, low-cost solutions, from lifesaving vaccines and devices to collaborative programs with communities. Through its work in more than 70 countries, PATH and its partners empower people to achieve their full potential. For more information, please visit www.path.org.

About Merck

Today’s Merck is a global healthcare leader working to help the world be well.  Merck is known as MSD outside the United States and Canada.  Through our prescription medicines, vaccines, biologic therapies, and consumer care and animal health products, we work with customers and operate in more than 140 countries to deliver innovative health solutions.  We also demonstrate our commitment to increasing access to healthcare through far-reaching policies, programs and partnerships.  For more information, visit www.merck.com and connect with us on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube.

Forward-Looking Statement

This news release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements may include, but are not limited to, statements about the benefits of the merger between Merck and Schering-Plough, including future financial and operating results, the combined company’s plans, objectives, expectations and intentions and other statements that are not historical facts. Such statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of Merck’s management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements.

The following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements: the possibility that the expected synergies from the merger of Merck and Schering-Plough will not be realized, or will not be realized within the expected time period; the impact of pharmaceutical industry regulation and healthcare legislation; the risk that the businesses will not be integrated successfully; disruption from the merger making it more difficult to maintain business and operational relationships; Merck’s ability to accurately predict future market conditions; dependence on the effectiveness of Merck’s patents and other protections for innovative products; the risk of new and changing regulation and health policies in the United States and internationally and the exposure to litigation and/or regulatory actions.

Merck undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Additional factors that could cause results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements can be found in Merck’s 2010 Annual Report on Form 10-K and the company’s other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) available at the SEC’s Internet site (www.sec.gov).