Submitted by Ruzanna Harutyunyan on May 22nd, 2009
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.
Clark County
In April 2009 the Nursing Commission indefinitely suspended the license of registered nurse Randy S. Buchan (RN.RN.00162431). Buchan failed to comply with terms and conditions set against his license.
In April 2009 the Nursing Assistant Program indefinitely suspended the credential of Ivan D. Roane (NAR.NA.00202150). Roane failed to properly assess a patient’s injury.
Grant County
In March 2009 the Nursing Assistant Program suspended the credential of certified nursing assistant Rebecca J. Pesta (NAC.NC.10090128). Pesta developed a personal and sexual relationship with a patient.
Grays Harbor County
In April 2009 the Nursing Assistant Program indefinitely suspended the credential of Brandon M. Paschke (NAR.NA.60008335). Paschke sent live sexually explicit images to someone he believed to be a minor, and was convicted of distributing sexual material via internet or computer.
King County
In April 2009 the Medical Commission modified an agreed order and indefinitely suspended the license of Janis D. Bridge (MD00035256). Bridge failed to comply with previous terms and conditions set against her license.
In April 2009 the Nursing Commission indefinitely suspended the license of registered nurse Katerina M. Falkenberg (RN.RN.00127977). Falkenberg failed to comply with previous terms and conditions set against her license.
In March 2009 the Medical Commission indefinitely suspended the license of physician Cor De Hart (MD00029654). De Hart provided care that was below the standard, placing several patients at risk of harm.
In April 2009 the Registered Counselor Program indefinitely suspended the credential of Andrea J. Kunz (RC.RC.00059585). Kunz failed to comply with terms and conditions set against her credential.
Kitsap County
In April 2009 the Pharmacy Board indefinitely suspended the credential of pharmacy technician Carol R. Tonge (PTEC.VA.00013398). Tonge failed to comply with previous terms and conditions against her credential.
Lincoln County
In March 2009 the Nursing Assistant Program indefinitely suspended the credential of Linda L. Schirmer (NAR.NA.00195853). Schirmer used a patient’s personal property and benefited from it without compensating the patient. She also solicited and accepted money from the patient.
Okanogan County
In April 2009 the Nursing Assistant Program indefinitely suspended the credential of Genesis Morales (NAR.NA.00199482). Morales stole $280 from a resident at her place of employment.
Pend Oreille County
In April 2009 the Nursing Commission indefinitely suspended the license of licensed practical nurse Bryan K. Dennis (LPN.LP.00052774). Dennis’ license to practice nursing in Colorado was revoked.
Snohomish County
In March 2009 the Nursing Assistant Program indefinitely suspended the credential of certified nursing assistant Sharon L. Dimick (NAC.NC.10052858). Dimick failed to comply with a previous order.
In April 2009 the Secretary of Health withdrew the statement of charges against health care assistant Andrew D. Pestanio (HC00155217).
Spokane County
In April 2009 the Chiropractic Commission suspended the credential of chiropractor Travis D. Broughton (CH00003335). Broughton double-billed patients, failed to keep accurate records, failed to submit accurate records to the department, entered into a sexual relationship with a patient, and smoked marijuana on a regular basis during the work day.
In March 2009 the Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery Board suspended the license of Keith L. Hindman (OP00000771). Hindman’s management of multiple chronic pain patients was below the standard of care.
In April 2009 the Registered Counselor Program indefinitely suspended the credential of McGlother G. Parker, Jr. (RC00059568). Parker failed to comply with terms and conditions set against his credential.
Thurston County
In April 2009 the Nursing Commission indefinitely suspended the license of registered nurse Rosemarie Allison (RN.RN.00059080). Allison failed to comply with previous terms and conditions set against her license.
Whatcom County
In April 2009 the Nursing Commission indefinitely suspended the license of registered nurse Albert C. Snow (RN.RN.00114689). Snow failed to comply with a previous order.
Out of State
Arizona: In March 2009 the Secretary of Health revoked the license of Dennis G. Sklar (NT00000446). Sklar failed to comply with a previous order.
California: In April 2009 the Chemical Dependency Professional Program indefinitely suspended the credential of Thomas G. Coolberth (CDP.CP.00003066). Coolberth misused alcohol and/or controlled substances.
Illinois: In March 2009 the Medical Commission indefinitely suspended the license of physician Charles H. Dickerson (MD00039603). Dickerson’s license to practice medicine in California was revoked for repeated acts of negligence.
Ohio: In March 2009 the Nursing Commission summarily suspended the license of registered nurse Mary E. Mitchell (RN.RN.00159107). Mitchell’s license to practice nursing in Ohio was suspended, and she remains prohibited from practicing there.
Oregon: In March 2009 the Medical Commission indefinitely suspended the license of physician Jeffrey A. Luty (MD00047348). Luty entered a stipulated order in Oregon, agreeing to not practice medicine pending investigation.
Oregon: In April 2009 the Nursing Commission summarily suspended the license of registered nurse Jessica A. Scharf (RN.RN.00153752). She permanently surrendered her license to practice nursing in Michigan; and remains prohibited from practicing there.
Oregon: In March 2009 the Nursing Commission summarily suspended the license of licensed practical nurse Patricia R. Weaver (LPN.LP.00023459). Weaver’s license to practice nursing in Oregon was revoked and she remains prohibited from practicing there.
Texas: In March 2009 the Medical Commission indefinitely suspended the license of physician Nancy L. Anderson (MD00045362). Anderson’s license to practice medicine in Texas was indefinitely suspended for failing to comply with an order.
