OLYMPIA -- The Washington State Department of Health has taken disciplinary actions or withdrawn charges against the following health care providers in our state.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., dentists, nurses, counselors). Information about disciplinary action taken against medical doctors and physician assistants can be found on the Washington Medical Commission (WMC) website. Questions about WMC disciplinary actions can be sent to media@wmc.wa.gov.
Information about health care providers is on the agency website. Click on “Look up a health care 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 encouraged to call and report their complaint.
Clark County
In July 2022 the Pharmacy Commission denied the pharmacy assistant application of Debra Sue Seitz (VB61161192). She did not agree to conditions placed on the license. Seitz was convicted of theft, obstructing a law enforcement officer, and making false or misleading statements between 2003 and 1997.
Cowlitz County
In August 2022 the Nursing Commission granted with conditions a licensed practical nurse credential to Kenna Courtaney Lemmons, also known as Kenna Courtaney Pollock, (LP61278856). She must participate in a substance abuse evaluation and monitoring program.
Douglas County
In August 2022 the Pharmacy Commission charged pharmacist Geoffrey W. Reynolds (PH00017863) with unprofessional conduct. Reynolds allegedly wasted COVID-19 vaccination doses instead of administering them and fraudulently documented administering them to two patients.
King County
In June 2022 the Department of Health notified Penny Michelle Phair (MC61202553) that it had issued her a mental health counselor associate license in error. The department rescinded the credential and moved the application to “pending” to allow Phair to submit more information showing she meets the credentialing requirements.
In August 2022 the Emergency Medical Services and Trauma Systems Program charged emergency medical technician Andrew T. Finseth (ES01163279) with unprofessional conduct. Finseth pled guilty to computer trespass and cyberstalking in King County Superior Court. He posed as another firefighter and used that firefighter’s email to send threatening letters to a Seattle City Council member, among other misuses of the other firefighter’s email.
Kitsap County
In July 2022 the secretary of health denied the registered agency affiliated counselor license application of Scott Patrik Kelly (CG61210216). Kelly was convicted of forgery in 2004 and 2006. In 2010 he was convicted of driving under the influence, and in 2018 of driving while license suspended.
Pierce County
In August 2022 the Nursing Assistant Program and the Agency Affiliated Counselor Program charged registered nursing assistant and agency affiliated counselor Mark S. James (NA60755181, CG60764864) with unprofessional conduct. While working at Western State Hospital, James allegedly made unauthorized withdrawals of patient funds for his benefit, without patient authorization. The charges state that he took funds from 13 patients, ranging from $50 to $2,180.
Skagit County
In August 2022 the Pharmacy Commission charged pharmacist Clint Auttapibarn (PH60409983) with unprofessional conduct. In 2020, Auttapibarn surrendered his California pharmacist license through a stipulated surrender order. In 2021, coworkers allegedly observed Auttapibarn working while intoxicated.
Snohomish County
In August 2022 the secretary of health ended conditions on the emergency medical technician license of Marcus Patrick Stein (ES61028820).
In June 2022 the Department of Health notified Tamera Jordan Duncombe (NC61259218) that she had been issued a certified nursing assistant credential in error. The department rescinded the credential and moved the application to “pending” status.
Out of State
Hawaii: In August 2022 the Dental Commission charged dentist Karen Floyd Sheppard (DE00007852) with unprofessional conduct. Sheppard allegedly failed to communicate and perform a pre-treatment examination of a patient, review records, assess a patient’s pre-orthodontic condition and maintain records, among other issues.
Texas: In July 2022 the Dental Commission denied the dentist application of Bongmin An (DE61206238). In 2012, An entered a consent order with the Oregon Board of Dentistry agreeing to resign his license and not seek future licensure in Oregon. The Oregon Board suspended his license for altered or incomplete patient dental records, allegedly falsely billing insurers, and using and distributing marijuana.
West Virginia: In June 2022 the Department of Health notified Virgil Waid McMillion (OP61188818-IMLC) that it had erroneously issued him an osteopathic physician and surgeon license. The department rescinded the credential and moved it to “pending” status.
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.
Original source can be found here.
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