United States Attorney’s Office and Washington State Office of Attorney General are announcing the outcome of a case involving health care fraud, elder abuse, and patient harm. The government says that this will be the largest-ever health care fraud settlement in Eastern Washington.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office said that it will continue their efforts to work with state and federal law enforcement partners to combat elder abuse, health care fraud, and patient endangerment in the state.
The State revoked and suspended licenses, certifications, and registrations of health care providers involved. The Washington State Department of Health revoked or suspended the licenses, certifications, or registrations of the below listed health care providers by county in the state of Washington.
Clark County
In January 2022 the secretary of health suspended the agency affiliated counselor license of Adam Hale Kravitz (CG60780860) for not complying with the terms of a 2017 agreement requiring participation in a substance use program.
King County
In February 2022 the Home Care Aide Program and home care aide John William Grieve (HM60644591) entered an agreement that suspends his license for at least 12 months. Before applying for reinstatement, Grieve, who appeared naked in front of a patient and administered medication without authority, also agreed to complete continuing education.
In February 2022 the Nursing Commission suspended the license of registered nurse Amanda Gayle Dryer (RN60091443) because she failed to follow through with a substance use monitoring program.
Lewis County
In February 2022 the secretary of health suspended the registered nursing assistant license of Jocelyn Marie Pink (NA60451377) after the Department of Social and Health Services determined that Pink had neglected a vulnerable adult. Pink did not respond to the related charges of unprofessional conduct.
Snohomish County
In February 2022 the secretary of health suspended the registered nursing assistant license of Melvina Boachie Danquah (NA60294127) for at least three years. Danquah accepted checks totaling about $14,000 from a patient in the assisted living facility where she worked.
In February 2022 the Veterinary Board of Governors suspended the veterinarian license of Charles Dean Essex (VT00002582) for failing to comply with an agreed order that required continuing education.
Out of State
California: In February 2022 the Nursing Commission suspended the registered nurse license of Austin James Teune (RN60840816) for unprofessional conduct after the Oregon State Board of Nursing placed Teune on probation following his second arrest for driving under the influence of intoxicants.
Oregon: In February 2022 the Nursing Commission suspended the registered nurse license of Kate Jennifer deBruin (RN60937973) because she did not comply with an agreement to participate in a substance use program.
Pennsylvania: In February 2022 the Nursing Commission suspended the registered nurse license of Nicholas Alexander Firestone (RN60821898) after the California Superior Court ordered Firestone not to practice nursing because of his conviction for receiving stolen property.
The agency has also immediately suspended the credentials of people who have been prohibited from practicing in other states.
Agencies are asking consumers to report health care providers that act unprofessionally and are also encouraging them to call and report their complaint. The Department of Health home page is at (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.
