Health Department acts on poor conduct

The Washington State Department of Health has taken the following actions regarding health care providers in South Sound.

Thurston County: In January, the Chemical Dependency Professional Program released chemical dependency professional Steven Bruce Wolff from terms and conditions set against his license. The Registered Counselor Program also terminated the order of probation against his counselor credential. Also in January, the Dental Quality Assurance Commission withdrew a statement of charges against dentist Sherilyn V. Malloy.

Lewis County: In January, the Medical Commission charged physician Daniel K. Lowe with unprofessional conduct. He allegedly practiced below the standard of care when treating a patient for chronic diverticulitis, resulting in patient harm. That allegedly led to further abdominal surgery and hospitalization.

Mason County: In January, the Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission entered into an agreed order with licensed practical nurse Matthew Schneider. His credential is suspended for at least two years. Schneider reportedly failed to comply with terms of an earlier agreement.

Information about health care providers is on the Department of Health’s Web site; go to www.doh.wa.gov and click “Provider Credential Search” on the left side of the page. People who think a health care provider acted unprofessionally are encouraged to call 360-236-4700 and report their complaint.