For immediate release: April 15, 2024 (24-043)
Contact: DOH Communications
Public inquiries: Health Systems Customer Service 360-236-4700
OLYMPIA -- The Washington State Department of Health has revoked or suspended the licenses, certifications, or registrations of the following 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 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’s website. Click on “Health Care Provider Lookup” under the “Find it Fast” 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.
Chelan County
In March 2024 the Board of Nursing (formerly the Nursing Commission) indefinitely suspended the registered nurse license of Whitney Marie Irwin (RN60227469). Prior to petitioning for reinstatement, Irwin must contact a monitoring program and, if required, enroll in the monitoring program. In August 2023, Irwin was discharged from a monitoring program for failing to complete her substance use disorder evaluation in a timely manner.
Clark County
In March 2024 the Board of Nursing (formerly the Nursing Commission) indefinitely suspended the registered nurse license of Donald J. Schaefer (RN00171483). In November 2023, Schaefer failed to comply with a 2022 agreed order by testing positive for methamphetamine and withdrawing from a monitoring program.
King County
In March 2024 the Board of Nursing (formerly the Nursing Commission) indefinitely suspended the registered nurse and advanced registered nurse practitioner licenses of Scott Eric Hansen (RN60541982, AP60541983). Prior to petitioning for reinstatement, Hansen must contact a monitoring program and, if required, enroll in the monitoring program. Hansen must also pass an ethics course and complete a competence assessment. Between 2017 and 2022, Hansen’s treatment and prescribing practices for two patients fell below the standard of care in various ways regarding prescribing controlled substances or other medications. Between 2021 and 2022, Hansen also prescribed controlled substances to himself.
Out of State
Alabama: In March 2024 the Board of Nursing (formerly the Nursing Commission) summarily suspended the registered nurse license of Lynn H. Quick (RN61367193) pending further legal action. In November 2023, the Alabama Board of Nursing suspended Quick’s registered nurse license for violating the term of a prior order by failing to check in with a drug screen provider and testing positive for alcohol on more than one occasion.
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