OLYMPIA – The Washington State Department of Health has taken disciplinary actions or withdrawn charges against health care providers in our state.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 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.
Clark County
In February 2013 the Unlicensed Practice Program notified Wendy A. Barrantes of its intent to issue a cease-and-desist order. Barrantes allegedly claimed to be a massage practitioner online but holds no such credential.
In February 2013 the Nursing Commission withdrew charges against registered nurse Shelley D. Tabe Arrey (RN60018508).
King County
In February 2013 the Chemical Dependency Professional Program ended probation for chemical dependency professional trainee Jaimie Diane Owen (CO60201559).
In February 2013 the Chemical Dependency Professional Program ended probation for chemical dependency professional trainee Peter Christian Hansen (CO60202851).
In February 2013 the Nursing Assistant Program charged registered nursing assistant Samson Kibet Chemonges (NA60078966) with unprofessional conduct. The Department of Social and Health Services found Chemonges neglected a vulnerable adult while working in a supported care setting.
In February 2013 the Nursing Commission charged registered nurse Mary Jane S. Bartose (RN60089672) with unprofessional conduct. Bartose allegedly didn’t comply with a 2012 stipulation.
In February 2013 the Unlicensed Practice Program notified Wol S. Frazer of its intent to issue a cease-and-desist order. Frazer allegedly gave a full body massage to a client at a foot massage business but doesn’t hold a massage credential.
In February 2013 the Unlicensed Practice Program notified Liping Zhang of its intent to issue a cease-and-desist order. Zhang allegedly gave a massage to a spa client but doesn’t hold a massage credential.
In February 2013 the Unlicensed Practice Program notified Jian P. Sun of its intent to issue a cease-and-desist order. Sun allegedly gave a massage to a spa client but doesn’t hold a massage credential.
Kitsap County
In February 2013 the Unlicensed Practice Program notified Yan Li of its intent to issue a cease–and-desist order. Li co-owns a business that allegedly advertised “body massage” and “body acupressure.” Allegations include, no licensed massage practitioner credentials were displayed at the business, and Li produced no licensed massage practitioner credentials in response to an investigator’s request.
In February 2013 the Medical Commission entered an agreement with physician Susan J. Shlifer (MD00035541), placed her credential on probation for at least five years, and restricted her practice. Shlifer must also undergo a clinical skills evaluation and take continuing education courses. The agreement stipulates Shlifer provided a general pattern of substandard care, and was also substandard in areas including managing chronic pain with opioids, fibromyalgia diagnoses and treatment, vitamin D deficiency approach, and use of the high-risk “Marshall Protocol” for anti-inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.
Lewis County
In February 2013 the Nursing Assistant Program denied a registered nursing assistant credential to Kristen Marie Karboski (NA60319746). In 2007, Karboski was convicted of driving under the influence. In 2011, she entered the Lewis County Drug Court program after being charged with possession of a controlled substance—buprenophine, and one count of driving under the influence.
In February 2013 the Medical Commission entered an agreement with certified physician assistant Bryan L. McCoy (PA60120306) and placed his credential on probation for one year. McCoy shared inappropriate, non-clinical information with two female patients.
Mason County
In February 2013 the Chemical Dependency Professional Program granted a chemical dependency professional trainee credential to Darcy Marlene Ramsfield (CO60312763) and placed it on probation. In 2009, Ramsfield was convicted of unlawful possession of a controlled substance—methamphetamine.
Pacific County
In February 2013 the Nursing Commission charged registered nurse Karol Lynn Stover (RN00103574) with unprofessional conduct. While on duty at a hospital, Stover was allegedly observed talking to herself, making involuntary jerking movements and displaying tic-like facial gestures. Charges say Stover tested positive for methamphetamine during a workplace drug screening and admitted to using drugs while at work.
Pierce County
In February 2013 the Nursing Assistant Program filed a corrected statement of charges against registered nursing assistant Jodi D. Becker (NA00173708).
In February 2013 the Nursing Assistant Program charged registered nursing assistant Sharon Louise Pouncy (NA60103488) with unprofessional conduct. Pouncy allegedly took at least $80 from a patient at an assisted living facility where she worked.
In February 2013 the Nursing Assistant Program charged certified nursing assistant April Bell (NA10055870) with unprofessional conduct. Bell allegedly shook a vulnerable patient, threatened her, and spoke to her in an intimidating manner.
In February 2013 the Chemical Dependency Professional Program denied a chemical dependency professional trainee credential to Dion Lawrence Alexander (CO60269072). From 2000 to 2010, Alexander was convicted six times of driving while his license was suspended or revoked, and four times of driving under the influence. In 2012, he was convicted of four counts of first-degree trafficking in stolen property.
Snohomish County
In February 2013 the Nursing Assistant Program charged registered nursing assistant Fatoumata Dibba Badjan (NA60032432) with unprofessional conduct. Badjan allegedly didn’t follow a plan requiring a client to wear a GPS device at all times. The client wandered away.
Spokane County
In February 2013 the Home Care Aide Program conditionally granted a credential to Douglas Eugene Campbell (HM60294171). In 2012, Campbell was convicted of solicitation to commit possession of a controlled substance—cocaine.
In February 2013 the Nursing Commission entered an agreement with registered nurse Micah W. Kaluzny (RN00174016) and placed his credential on probation. In 2012, he was convicted of driving under the influence.
Whatcom County
In February 2013 the Chemical Dependency Professional Program ended probation for chemical dependency professional trainee Raymond J.U. Hite (CO60163929).
Yakima County
In February 2013 the Nursing Assistant Program conditionally denied a registered nursing assistant credential to Adam Simon Valenzuela (NA60277589). In 2009, Valenzuela was convicted of driving under the influence. In 2012, he was granted deferred prosecution on a driving under the influence charge.
In February 2013 the Nursing Assistant Program reinstated the registered nursing assistant credential of Jenny M. Dove, also known as Jennine Marie Dove and Jennine M. Lilja (NA00140029). She has complied with terms of a 2007 agreement.
Out of State
Arizona: In February 2013 the Nursing Commission denied a registered nursing credential to Sonia Aguilar Gamez (RN60269707). Gamez didn’t provide evidence that she’d met academic criteria for a Washington license.
Maryland: In February 2013 the Medical Commission entered an agreement with physician John L. Young (MD60187941). He agreed not to renew his license when it expires in July 2013. He also agreed not to reapply for a Washington license or treat patients in Washington before his license expires. Young didn’t cooperate with an investigation by declining to provide requested records for more than a year. He also agreed to pay a $5,000 penalty.
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.
[ Editor’s Note: This is being published as reference information for you and your family to make informed decisions when dealing with medical care for your loved one(s). We do not accept liability for misimformation or information that may have changed since this posting was published. All information can be obtained from http://www.doh.wa.gov/Newsroom/2013NewsReleases/13036DisciplineNewsRelease.aspx ]
(c) 2013 The NW Fire Blog
