These Mid-Columbia health care workers were disciplined by the state
State health officials have announced the following disciplinary action involving Tri-City health care workers. The actions are for the third quarter.
Benton County
In November 2017 the secretary of health indefinitely suspended the registered nursing assistant and home care aide credentials of Caroline Wairigu Njoroge (NA60472617, HM60532659). Njoroge reported two to three hours late to accompany a patient on an outing. She was arrested in connection with criminal trespassing after refusing to leave the patient’s facility after being told to do so. A breath alcohol test yielded a result of 0.17 percent.
In October 2017 the Home Care Aide Program charged home care aide Rebecca Elizabeth Coronado (HM60356350) with unprofessional conduct. Coronado received continuances on three counts of first-degree theft in connection with taking narcotics from an assisted living facility where she worked. Charges say she didn’t respond to a state investigator’s inquiry.
In September 2017 the Dental Commission denied a dental assistant credential to Heather Katherine Scott (D160757507). In 2016, she was convicted in Idaho of possessing a controlled substance.
In August 2017 the state denied a home care aide credential to Ashley D. Tower (HM60747619). The notice of decision says Tower tested positive for morphine after diverting drugs from two clients while working as a caregiver.
In September 2017 the Nursing Commission revoked the registered nurse credential of Darrin L. Ruddell (RN00133423). In 2017 he pleaded guilty in federal count to receipt of child pornography and in a state court to unlawful possession of a controlled substance.
In September 2017 the state denied the home care aide application of Monique Angel Hess (HM60661799). Hess was convicted of fourth-degree assault – domestic violence.
Franklin County
In November 2017 the Medical Commission entered an agreement with physician Alex B. Najera (MD00025470) that fines him $2,500 and places conditions on his practice. Najera violated standards of care in prescribing opioid medications to four patients. He didn’t perform or document examinations to adequately explain reported pain, and didn’t identify specific diagnoses to justify opioid use at prescribed levels. The physician provided ineffective treatment, didn’t fully comply with pain management rules, and didn’t adhere to other standards.
In August 2017 the secretary of health indefinitely suspended the registered nursing assistant credential of Shelby Rose Waddell (NA60733211). Waddell’s Oregon registered nursing assistant credential was revoked for financial exploitation.
Grant County
In October 2017 the state denied a chemical dependency professional trainee credential to Danell Jolene Hampton (CO60774507). In 2005 Hampton was convicted of hit and run from an attended wreck, reckless endangerment and fourth-degree assault. In 2006, she was convicted of third-degree malicious mischief by complicity-property damage. In 2016, she was convicted of third-degree driving while license suspended and third-degree theft.
Yakima County
In September 2017 the Chemical Dependency Professional Program charged chemical dependency professional Melanie I. Miller (CP00005029) with unprofessional conduct. Charges say that after a positive drug test, Miller admitted using the controlled substance.
Health care providers charged with unprofessional conduct have 20 days to respond to the state in writing. If no disciplinary agreement can be reached, the case goes to a hearing.
Information about health care providers is on the Washington State Department of Health’s website. Click on “Look up a health care provider license” in the “How Do I?” section of the Department of Health home page (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.
If you think a health care provider acted unprofessionally, you can call and report a complaint.
This story was originally published December 8, 2017 at 11:41 AM with the headline "These Mid-Columbia health care workers were disciplined by the state."