Over 70 Healthcare Professionals Disciplined By State of RI in Past Year
Kate Nagle, GoLocal News Editor
Over 70 Healthcare Professionals Disciplined By State of RI in Past Year
From nursing assistants to physicians, DOH has oversight over doctors and healthcare workers to execute orders that can range from consent agreements, to reprimands, probations, suspensions, and license revocations.
SLIDES BELOW: See RI Health Professionals Who Faced Disciplinary Actions Over Past Year
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Recently, former chiropractor Dr. Clive Bridgham surrendered his license in November 2017 after patient Owen Morris accused him of "violating professional boundaries" -- Morris has since been indicted on charges of murdering Bridgham.
Wendelken also noted that third parties could bring issues to DOH's attention.
"It varies by profession, but for many professions, we get alerted by national organizations," said Wendelken. "For example, we regularly get alerts from the Federation of State Medical Boards about disciplinary actions taken against physicians who have (or have ever had) a Rhode Island license. We also report into this database."
The American Medical Association's code of ethics requires physicians to reports improper behaviors, "The obligation to report incompetent or unethical conduct that may put patients at risk is recognized in both the ethical standards of the profession and in law and physicians should be able to report such conduct without fear or loss of favor.
Who Gets Alerted to Disciplinary Actions?
As for the press, Wendelken says while in the past DOH would send broad releases, the Department now uses more discretion.
"We would send notices about disciplinary actions to the press before roughly 2014. We stopped sending them out broadly because we would get a lot of interview requests about individual cases when we could not comment on those cases," said Wendelken. "It became a source of frustration for a lot of reporters. What I do now is email reporters who have expressed interest in board actions when a new action is posted."
While RI is using more "discretion' in alerting the public. Some states are being far more proactive and leveraging technology to alert patients about disciplined physicians. "
"Californians can now get almost instantaneous notice when a physician's license has been suspended or revoked or when some other disciplinary action has been taken against a doctor. The notice, which will come via an app, was unveiled by the Medical Board of California at a news conference on July 26 [2018]. The board developed the app to build on a 2-year-old public information campaign that has been encouraging consumers to keep tabs on their physicians by periodically checking the board's website," according to the healthcare publication Medscape.
SLIDES BELOW: See RI Health Professionals Who Faced Disciplinary Actions Over Past Year
RI Healthcare Disciplinary Actions August 2017- August 2018
August 9, 2017
Samuel Kagan, MD
Physician
Disciplinary Action: Reprimand
Notes from Consent Order:
His practice was located at 925 Main Street, East Greenwich, Rhode Island. Respondent has retired from the practice of medicine.
Patient A presented to Respondent for symptoms of cough and pain in center of chest. Recorded vital signs did not include the patient's pulse, blood pressure, or respiratory rate…Patient A was brought to Kent Hospital in cardiopulmonary arrest later that evening and pronounced dead 7 hours after seeing Respondent.
August 9, 2017
Steven Schechter, MD
Physician
Disciplinary Action: Reprimand
Notes from Consent Order:
His practice is located at University Surgical Associates…in Providence, Rhode Island.
An investigation by the Board involving a single patient with a complex history treated by Respondent for an extended period of time revealed concern about Respondent’s concurrent prescriptions of two controlled substances to treat chronic pain and related documentation justifying the need for and to assess utilization of the medications.
August 28, 2017
Peter Mburu
Nursing Assistant
Disciplinary Action: Decision
Notes from Consent Order:
A hearing was scheduled for August 10, 2017, at which time Respondent did not appear.
Robert O’Donnell, Investigator, testified on behalf of the Department…that it received a complaint in 2016 from nursing agency for whom the Respondent worked stating that the agency received a complaint from a 96-year-old’s patient’s son that the Respondent while caring for said patient took a beer from patient’s refrigerator and drank it.
August 28, 2017
Octavia Anthony
Nursing Assistant
Disciplinary Action: Probation
Notes from Consent Order:
Respondent was employed by Waterville Villa, East Providence, RI.
That on or about 10/04/16, respondent exhibited inappropriate conduct towards a client in her care.
August 30, 2017
Brian White
Emergency Medical Technician
Disciplinary Action: Surrendered
Notes from Consent Order:
The Massachusetts DPH had ordered Respondent’s Massachusetts EMT Certification be revoked…for a minimum of two years.
The Department has determined that respondent’s continued licensure in Rhode Island constitutes an imminent danger.
September 6, 2017
Dante Gulino, Jr.
Dentist
Disciplinary Action: Reprimand
Notes from Consent Order:
Respondent was employed by Stadelmann & Gulino, Inc. 85 Beach Street, Westerly Rhode Island.
Respondent allowed a prescription for a drug prescribed by Respondent to be filled which had been altered by a patient, even after Respondent had been notified by the dispensing pharmacist that the patient had changed the prescription.
September 11, 2017
Robin Fox
Nurse
Disciplinary Action: Reprimand
Notes from Consent Order:
This matter was opened upon the Board’s receipt of a complaint against Respondent’s license…alleging that Respondent had an inappropriate relationship with a patient.
While Respondent was employed as a Home Health Nurse for Addiction Recovery Institute, located in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, she did, in fact, develop an inappropriate relationship with a client in her care.
September 15, 2017
Joseph Guarnacca, MD
Physician
Disciplinary Action: Reprimand
Notes from Consent Order:
Respondent’s speciality is neurology. His practice is located at the MS Center of New England, 1351 South County Trail, East Greenwich, Rhode Island.
The board received a notice from the Board of Pharmacy that Respondent was not monitoring the PDMP and duplicate prescriptions were filled for Patient A for April, May, and June of 2016.
October 2, 2017
Andelys Liranzo
Nursing Assistant
Disciplinary Action: Probation
Notes from Consent Order:
Respondent was employed by Nursing Placement, Inc.
Respondent borrowed money from a client and used keys to access the apartment when the client was hospitalized.
October 4, 2017
Fairborz Khorsand-Ravan
Physician
Disciplinary Action: Suspension
Notes from Consent Order:
The Board became aware of a matter that questioned whether Respondent had complied with the terms of the Consent Order signed by Respondent and ratified by Board on August 10, 2016.
Respondent did not take the agreed upon course or contact the Board during the 6th month time requesting an extension.
October 11, 2017
Robert Kohn, MD
Physician
Disciplinary Action: Reprimand
Notes from Consent Order:
Respondent’s specialty is psychiatry.
The Board of Medicine of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts…rendered a final decision and order that Respondent’s Massachusetts’ license would be suspended indefinitely. This decision stated, “Respondent engaged in conduct that places into question his competence to practice medicine.”
Respondent agrees to remain under behavioral health monitoring contact with the RI Physician Health Program for the next five years.
October 11, 2017
Frank Maggiacomo, P. DO
Physician
Disciplinary Action: Reprimand
Notes from Consent Order:
Respondent’s office is located at 1681 Cranston Street, Cranston RI.
Respondent agreed…in Consent Order ratified by Bard on May 11, 2016 to attend within 9 months..the CPEP: Prescribing Controlled Drugs: Critical Issues and Pitfalls.
Respondent’s controlled substance registration was suspended March 15, 2017 for failure to comply with terms of consent order.
October 11, 2017
Suraj Ram MD
Physician
Disciplinary Action: Probation
Notes from Consent Order:
Respondent has applied for a license in Rhode Island and has presented substantial evidence of remediation of the underlying violation. Respondent did not complete his residency in Anesthesiology due to a disciplinary matter addressed by the Medical Board of California.
October 11, 2017
David Burchenal, MD
Physician
Disciplinary Action: Reprimand
Notes from Consent Order:
The Board received a report regarding disciplinary action from the State of Connecticut…in Connecticut, Respondent attended Patient A who has microhematuria and hematuria…Respondent did not follow up on this abnormal finding….Patient A was subsequently diagnosed with renal failure and sepsis and succumbed to this illness.
October 16, 2017
Kristen Graham
Nurse
Disciplinary Action: Surrendered
Notes from Consent Order:
Kristen Graham is licensed as a Registered Nurse by the Rhode Island Board of Nurse Registration and Nursing Education….Complaints identified as case #C14-0328 and #C16-096 have been filed with the Board against Respondent’s license
In resolution of said complaints, Respondent voluntarily surrenders her license for an indefinite period but at least six months.
October 16, 2017
Mary Beth Bouchard
Nurse
Disciplinary Action: Reprimand
Notes from Consent Order:
Respondent was employed as a nurse at Orchard View Manor, 135 Tripps Lane, East Providence, Rhode Island.
On or about August 26, 2015, Respondent borrowed money ($2,000) from a resident of Orchard View Manor.
October 16, 2017
Tahra Shalloo
Nurse
Disciplinary Action: Surrendered
Notes from Consent Order:
It is alleged that, on several dates in January, February, March, April and May of 2017, Respondent fraudulently obtained and filled prescriptions for a controlled substance, Seqoquel, in 50 mg and 100 mg pills.
October 19, 2017
Alexandra Santiago-Camacho
Nursing Assistant
Disciplinary Action: Reprimand
Notes from Consent Order:
Respondent was employed by Nursing Placement, Pawtucket, RI.
Respondent failed to report to work at a resident’s home, and failed to call office of employer.
October 20, 2017
Prime Landmark
Hospital
Disciplinary Action: Consent Agreement
Notes from Consent Order:
Prime shall pay a fine in the amount of one million dollars….
Read: Prime Healthcare Fined $1 Million by State of Rhode Island
October 31, 2017
Peter Rintels, MD
Physician
Disciplinary Action: Immediate Compliance Order
Notes from Consent Order
Respondent maintained a medical record for his patients which did not reflect documentation of patient education regarding risks of co-ingestion of alcohol, other psychoactive substances, tolerance, dependance, addiction, overdose or death.
November 1, 2017
Clive Bridgham
Chiropractor
Disciplinary Action: Surrendered
Notes from Consent Order:
Respondent was employed by Barrington Chiropractic Clinic & Sports Medicine, 282 County Road, Barrington, Rhode Island.
In Spring 2016, Respondent began a therapeutic relationship with Patient A, a young man who was 19 at the time he began seeing Respondent. Patient A alleged that Respondent violate the professional boundaries of the chiropractic physician-patient relationship.
November 6, 2017
Kendra Carter
Nursing Assistant
Disciplinary Action: Reprimand
Notes from Consent Order:
Respondent was employed at Brookdale Centre of New England, Coventry, RI.
That on or about May 21, 2017, Respondent made an audio-visual recording of a resident with her cellphone. Upon playing back the recording, a co-worker at Brookdale Centre heard the audio portion of the recording.
November 8, 2017
Robert Gordon, MD
Physician
Disciplinary Action: Reprimand
Notes from Consent Order:
The Board received a complaint regarding Respondents controlled substance prescribing. The Board learned via review of Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP) staff that respondent had not registered for the PMP and had therefore not utilized the PMP.
Review of Respondents PMP as a prescriber revealed in the therapeutic class summary that since June 1, 2015 to June 1, 2016 Respondent had initiated opioids on 269 patients.
November 8, 2017
Anthony Rotelli, MD
Physician
Disciplinary Action: Reprimand
Notes from Consent Order:
Patient A presented to Miriam Hospital…due to an overdose. Respondent did return the page from Miriam.
November 8, 2017
Rafael Montalvo-Ayala
Physician
Disciplinary Action: Reprimand
Notes from Consent Order:
His practice is located at Santiago Medical group, 85 Pearson Avenue, Pawtucket RI.
The board received a notice of litigation of the care given to Patent A…Patient A was 3 years and 11 months at the time of her death.
There was no respiratory rate recorded in the medical record for Patient A and lungs described as clear.
November 8, 2017
Edward Blanchette, MD
Physician
Disciplinary Action: Reprimand
Notes from Consent Order:
Respondent is licensed physician…practice is located at the Rhode Island Department of Corrections
The Board received a complaint regarding Patient A regarding care he received while under care of Respondent.
The investigative committee reviewed the matter and found the medical records lacking minimal and expected elements of a medical record.
November 8, 2017
Fairborz Khorsand-Ravan
Physician
Disciplinary Action: Reinstatement
Notes from Consent Order:
Respondent sent notification he successfully completed Medical Record Keeping Course…admits he violated RI General Law…agrees to pay within 60 days and an administrative fee of $650.
Respondent’s license is reinstated upon ratification of this order.
November 13, 2017
Joseph Playkil, MD
Physician
Disciplinary Action: Reprimand
Notes from Consent Order:
Respondent’s speciality is Hematology/Oncology. His practice is located at 1220 Pontiac Avenue, Cranston, RI.
Respondent’s practice did not have a system in place where a physician would be notified of cancelation…Patient A returned 1 year later with a palpable lump and subsequent biopsy revealed it was mestatic cancer.
November 14, 2017
Diana Calderon
Nursing Assistant
Disciplinary Action: Reprimand
Notes from Consent Order:
The matter arose pursuant to Notice of Charges and Administrative Hearing…scheduled for October 5, 2017, at which time Respondent did not appear at the hearing.
Robert O’Donnell, Lead Investigator, testified that Department received a complaint from the nursing agency from who the respondent worked that the Respondent failed to report to work for four days in July 2016 and failed to call the employer.
December 1, 2017
Emma Smith
Medication Aide
Disciplinary Action: Surrendered
Notes from Consent Order:
Respondent voluntarily surrenders her license as a Medication Aide for an indefinite period.
December 6, 2017
Gregory Barner
Dentist
Disciplinary Action: Probation
Notes from Consent Order:
Respondent was employed at 550 Douglas Pike, Smithfield RI, 02917.
Between June 2016 and September 2016, Respondent delegated non-delegable duties to a Dental Assistant when he allowed the Dental Assistant to take final impressions and adjust and cement crowns, and allowed these dates to be performed outside of his presence and without proper supervision.
December 13, 2017
Irving Gilson, MD
Physician
Disciplinary Action: Reprimand
Notes from Consent Order:
Respondent…practice is located at 1145 Resevoir Avenue, Cranston, Rhode Island.
The Board received a complaint from the Office of State Medical Examiner with respect to Patient A (alias) who died as the result of an accidental opioid overdose.
December 14, 2017
Paul DiBiase
Pharmacist
Disciplinary Action: Reprimand
Notes from Consent Order:
Respondent is licensed as a registered pharmacist in the State of Rhode Island.
Respondent renewed his license as a registered pharmacist, answering “yes” to “I have completed all applicable CE requirements for this renewal period” — a routine audit conducted by the Department demonstrated the respondent failed to complete continuing education requirements.
January 10, 2018
Vinson DiSanto
Physician
Disciplinary Action: Reprimand
Notes from Consent Order:
Respondent entered into a stipulation and order with the Idaho State Board of Medicine….respondent did not have an Idaho business address. Respondent had contacted patients via email as well as treated several patients in Idaho via telephone with prescriptions for testosterone replacement hormone, which is a controlled substance.
January 9, 2018
Paul Mallari
Physician Assistant
Disciplinary Action: Reprimand
Notes from Consent Order:
His practice is located at 49 Seekonk Street, Providence RI.
Respondent…signed or caused to be signed on his behalf, complainant’s name to a document from Allegern USA Inc, acknowledging receipt of samples of Botox.
January 10, 2018
Peter Rintels, MD
Physician
Disciplinary Action: Reprimand
Notes from Consent Order:
The board expert notes several concerns, including prescriptions filled when Patients A was an inpatient, the lack of demonstrable pattern of preforming pill counts, and prescribing Oxycodone and OxyContin in large quantities monthly.
February 14, 2018
Paula McEvoy, MD
Physician
Disciplinary Action: Consent Order
Notes from Consent Order:
Respondent entered into an agreement in…2013 with the Board of Registration in Massachusetts to voluntarily cease the practice of medicine. The facts and circumstances that preceded Respondent entering into this agreement included Respondent self-reporting to the Mass Board a circumstance in which she consumed alcohol in a clinical setting while seeing patients.
January 10, 2018
David Chronley
Physician
Disciplinary Action: Reprimand
Notes from Consent Order:
Respondent’s office is located in Wakefield, Rhode Island and his primary specialty is Pediatrics.
The Board was notified of a complaint by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) regarding concerns about the volume of hydrocodone and other controlled substances ordered for the practice.
January 16, 2018
Stephen Rogers
Podiatrist
Disciplinary Action: Reprimand
Notes from Consent Order:
A review of Dr. Roger’s notes failed to show any discussion regarding grafting type and options for grafting…departure from or the failure to confirm to the minimal standard of acceptable and prevailing podiatry practice.
January 16, 2018
John Bogue
Podiatrist
Disciplinary Action: Reprimand
Respondent has been a licensed podiatrist in Rhode Island since 1997. His practice is located in North Scituate, Rhode Island
The Board of Examiners in Podiatry received notice of this complaint…through a medical records review a licensed facility that demonstrated a practice of Respondent having certified nursing assistants trim toenails of patients with diabetes, an action beyond their professional scope.
January 13, 2018
Rachel Morgan
Nursing Assistant
Disciplinary Action: Reprimand
Notes from Consent Order:
Respondent was employed by Riverview Healthcare, Coventry RI.
Respondent was given direction to use the EZ-Stand to assist a resident transfer out of bed. Respondent chose not to use it and resident sustained an injury.
January 26, 2018
Christine Wood-Grattan
Nurse
Disciplinary Action: Suspension
Notes from Consent Order:
Margaret Clifton, Nursing Board Administrator, testified that Rhode Island is part of the nursing license compact state, and that discipline had been imposed on the Respondent in New Hampshire.
February 2, 2018
Ashfin Nasseri, MD
Physician
Disciplinary Action: Suspension
Notes from Consent Order:
Prior to the summary suspension at issue in this matter, there were prior actions taken against the Respondent by the Board.
On Examination by the Board, the Respondent testified that the 2014 complaint involved a patient that he saw without a chaperon in the room as required by the 2012 consent order.
February 14, 2018
Andrew Stone, MD
Physician
Disciplinary Action: Amended Order
Notes from Consent Order:
The Rhode Island medical license of the Petitioner…was revoked in 2008. Respondent’s license was reinstated February 11, 2015 by the Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline with conditions. Respondent approaches the Board seeking relief of probation which is one of the conditions of the Consent Order.
February 14, 2018
Robert Fox, MD
Physician
Disciplinary Action: Reprimand
Notes from Consent Order:
Respondent conducted spirometry at second visit and made diagnosis of COPD, ordered a CT scan of chest, and referred Patient A to a pulmonologist. Patient A presented to an Emergency Department 3 days later where an ECG revealed cardiac disease. Patient A was subsequently diagnosed with myocardial infection.
Respondent avers he saw Patient A on both visits, yet did not maintain a medical record for those visits.
February 14, 2018
Rikhi D’Souza, DO
Physician
Disciplinary Action: Reprimand
Notes from Consent Order:
The Board received a complaint regarding Respondent’s controlled substance prescribing….Respondent has violated Rules and Regulations for Pain Management, Opioid Use, and Registration of Distributors of Controlled Substances in Rhode Island
February 21, 2018
Xiaona Wang
Physician
Disciplinary Action: Compliance Order
Notes from Consent Order:
Respondent holds no active license to practice medicine in Rhode Island.
Victim…presented herself to the Burrillville Police Department, claiming that respondent had injected “Botox” and/or fat into her face and breasts.
March 2, 2018
Karen Tucker
Nursing Assistant
Disciplinary Action: Probation
Notes from Consent Order:
These modifications are based on a finding that there is substantial evidence in the record to support proof by a preponderance of the evidence that your explanation of the circumstances surrounding your arrest contradicted the corresponding police report
March 6, 2018
Renae Franklin
Nursing Assistant
Disciplinary Action: Revocation
Notes from Consent Order:
Respondent was employed by Ocean State Nursing Services.
Respondent made unauthorized purchases with a credit card owned by a client in her care. These purchases were captured on surveillance video. The unauthorized purchases totaled five hundred ninety-eight dollars and eighty-six cents.
March 10, 2018
John Mansousos
Dentist
Disciplinary Action: Reprimand
Notes from Consent Order:
Patient exhibited a severe and complex situation in which contributing dental and skeletal discrepancies resulted in malocclusion. Nevertheless, Respondent failed to obtain a sufficiently comprehensive collection of dental and skeletal records in the course of providing care.
March 14, 2018
Allan Morin
Occupational Therapist
Disciplinary Action: Reprimand
Notes from Consent Order:
Respondent was employed by HealthPRO, and worked at South Kingstown Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, West Kingston, Rhode Island.
Respondent sent inappropriate and derogatory messages to a South Kingstown NRC patient via Facebook.
March 14, 2018
Takeia Duarte
Chemical Dependency Professional
Disciplinary Action: Probation
Notes from Consent Order:
Respondent was employed by Center for Treatment and Recovery, Pawtucket, Rhode Island.
Respondent inappropriately engaged in communication with a patient by cell phone texting. The conduct described…constitutes unprofessional conduct pursuant to RI General Laws.
March 22, 2018
Nicole St. Jean
Pharmacist
Disciplinary Action: Reprimand
Notes from Consent Order:
A routine audit conducted by the Department demonstrated that the Respondent failed to complete continuing education requirements….[constituting] unprofessional conduct in the State of Rhode Island.
March 23, 2018
Elizabeth Checo
Nursing Assistant
Disciplinary Action: Reprimand
Notes from Consent Order:
Respondent was employed by Ocean State Nursing Services.
Respondent admits that…she entered a patient’s home when the patient was not present and fraudulently requested and received payment for services that she claimed had been provided to the patient on those dates.
March 29, 2018
Robert Gordon, MD
Physician
Disciplinary Action: Suspension Stayed
Notes from Consent Order:
Respondent agreed to Consent Order…ratified by the Board on November 8, 2017 [stating] “Respondent will check with PMP before prescribing any controlled substance.”
Respondent has prescribed controlled substances as evidenced by review of PMP…respondent’s controlled substance registration is suspended until further Order of the Department of Health.
April 11, 2018
Javid Calcatti, MD
Physician
Disciplinary Action: Reprimand
Notes from Consent Order:
Respondent is a licensed physician in Rhode Island.
The Board received a report from the National Practitioner Data Bank reporting a settlement in the care of Patient A on behalf of Respondent on June 29, 2017. The Board received notice of this matter on July 25, 2017. Date of loss of Patient A was reported as care delivered on June 26, 2009….patient A had an adverse outcome from [an] allergic reaction and suffered permanent neurologic damage.
April 11, 2018
John Sappington, MD
Physician
Disciplinary Action: Amended Order
Notes from Consent Order:
Respondent’s physician license was reinstated granted on June 14, 2017…this amendment to the previously ratified consent order, does not represent a new disciplinary action.
April 13, 2018
Gilberte Dorval
Medication Aide
Disciplinary Action: Reprimand
Notes from Consent Order:
Respondent was employed by Tockwotton on the Waterfront.
Respondent admits that she entered a patient’s room, removed medication from the patient’s medication box, and gave said medication to another employee.
April 18, 2018
Tanya Greene
Nursing Assistant
Disciplinary Action: Revocation
Notes from Consent Order:
Respondent was employed by Health Care Services.
Respondent had been assigned by Health Care to care for a client, who resides with other family members. On or about April 11, 2017, a family member who lives in the residence notified that pieces of her own jewelry were missing. Subsequent investigation by the Cranston Police Department included an interview with the Respondent in which she admitted to the theft of the family member’s jewelry.
May 7, 2018
Denise Hartsock
Nursing Assistant
Disciplinary Action: Reprimand
Notes from Consent Order:
Respondent was employed by Lifetime Medical.
It came to the attention of Respondent’s employer that Respondent had been providing prescribed medications to a client in her care and had take verbal medication orders from a physician, without the proper license to do so.
May 4, 2018
Italo Lozado
Dentist
Disciplinary Action: Suspension
Notes from Consent Order:
Respondent’s office names and locations are/or have been City Dental, 314F Pocasset Avenue Providence; City Dental, 515 Social Street Woonsocket; Rovati Dental Solutions, 1370 Cranston Street #2, Cranston.
Complaint C18-0331: Respondent extracted a tooth on Patient A. The service performed was a “simple extraction” but billed as a “surgical extraction.”
May 8, 2018
Judith Salisbury
Emergency Medical Technician
Disciplinary Action: Probation
Notes from Consent Order:
Respondent failed to follow EMS protocol…because high-quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation and defibrillation were not administered in a timely manner.
May 9, 2018
Francisco Rodrigues
Nursing Assistant
Disciplinary Action: Summary Suspension
Notes from Consent Order:
Respondent was employed as a nursing assistant at RI Hospital when a patient reported that Respondent entered his room and began masturbating.
May 14, 2018
Helene Kanefsky
Nurse
Disciplinary Action: Reprimand
Notes from Consent Order:
Respondent was employed as a nurse at Charlesgate Nursing Center, 100 Randall Street, Providence, Rhode Island.
Respondent performed a blood sugar finger test stick at 4:30 pm…patient presented as diaphoretic and lethargic, however, respondent omitted blood sugar test at bedtime.
May 15, 2018
William Braden, MD
Physician
Disciplinary Action: Reprimand, Probation
Notes from Consent Decree:
Patient A was treated with poly-pharmacy which presents safety risks to Patient A. Four of the medications Responded prescribed to Patient A are medications that present additional risk to elderly patient as recorded in the Beers list….of over sedation, increased risk of cognitive impairments, delirium, falls and fractures, as well as a high rate of physical dependence.
May 23, 2018
Cheikh Ndiaye
Nursing Assistant
Disciplinary Action: Reprimand
Notes from Consent Order:
Respondent was employed by Evergreen House Healthcare.
Respondent was witnessed making derogatory statements to a patient in his care.
May 29, 2018
Frank Palin
Nurse
Disciplinary Action: Summary Suspension
Notes from Consent Order:
He was employed by Old Colony Hospice and Palliative Care.
The RI Department of Health received documents from the Town of Canton, MA Police Department indicating that Respondent had sexually assaulted a patient in his care.
June 12, 2018
Amanda Parillo
Nursing Assistant
Disciplinary Action: Revocation
Notes from Consent Order:
The Department introduced evidence showing that the Respondent pled nolo contendere to possession of a schedule I-V controlled substance in Rhode Island Superior Court…and pled nolo to formerly, counterfeiting, and larceny.
June 13, 2018
Ricardo Rivera, MD
Physician
Disciplinary Action: Voluntary Agreement not to Practice
Notes from Consent Order:
Respondent appeared before the Investigative Committee on May 3, 2018 and explained the reasons for the Voluntary Agreement Not to Practice Medicine.
June 13, 2018
Joseph Rodgers, MD
Physician
Disciplinary Action: Reprimand
Notes from Consent Order:
Respondent’s Practice is located at 75 Sockanosset Cross Road, Cranston RI.
The medical record did not reveal documentation of patient education regarding this opioid medication in particular to the specific requirements for a patient with a prior history of substance abuse.
June 13, 2018
Michael Heru, MD
Physician
Disciplinary Action: Consent Order
Notes from Consent Order:
Respondent was the attending physician for Patient A…Patient A did not have health insurance and Respondent states he waived the fee to see Patient A…[who] did not have lab work done.
Patient A was subsequently [diagnosed] with Stage IV/V kidney failure and requires lifelong dialysis.
June 14, 2018
Rhode Island Hospital
Hopsital
Disciplinary Action: Consent Agreement
Notes from Consent Order:
RIDOH determined that RIH failed to implement and sustain processes and systems to provide care and services in accordance with its written policies and procedures.
On 3/16/18, Patient ID#8 underwent a mammogram on the right breast intended for another patient.
June 22, 2018
Kent County Memorial Hospital
Hospital
Disciplinary Action: Consent Agreement
Notes from Consent Order:
RIDOA investigated the facility self-reported incidents during unannounced Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and State licensure surveys, and RIDOH discovered incidents of potential immediate jeopardy and subsequently issued Federal and State deficiency statements.
June 26, 2018
Khalil Mulvey
Nursing Assistant
Disciplinary Action: Reprimand
Notes from Consent Order:
Respondent was employed by Tockwotton on the Waterfront.
Respondent admits that he asked another Nursing Assistant to secure a specific medication for him from a patient, that he an the other Nursing Assistant entered a patient’s room, that the other Nursing Assistant removed medication from the patient’s medication box, and gave said medication to the Respondent who did ingest said medication.
June 26, 2018
Albalis Alba
Nursing Assistant
Disciplinary Action: Surrendered
Notes from Consent Order:
Respondent was employed as a nursing assistant by Morning Star Home, LLC, 349 Centerville Road, Warwick, RI.
On or about January 11, 2018, Respondent signed a statement in which she admitted that she utilized an ATM card that belonged to a patient in her care.
June 26, 2018
Moussa Gaye
Nursing Assistant
Disciplinary Action: Reprimand
Notes from Consent Order:
Respondent was employed by the RI Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals, Eleanor Slater Hospital, Zambarano Unit.
Respondent answered a telephone call on his personal cell phone while a patient in his care was in a bathtub filled with water.
June 27, 2018
Pedro Garcia
Physical Therapist Assistant
Disciplinary Action: Probation
Notes from Consent Order:
Respondent was employed by Centers Healthcare at Bannister and Parkview Center, Providence Rhode Island.
Respondent in three months incorrectly punched his time and incorrectly billed numerous times in a span of three months.
July 9, 2018
Jenay Amos
Nursing Assistant
Disciplinary Action: Suspension
Notes from Consent Order:
At all times relevant hereto, Respondent was employed by Cherry Hill Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.
On or about February 8, 2018, Cherry Hill resident, “KI,” reported to the Johnston Police Department that a substantial amount of unauthorized withdrawals had been made from his checking account. Separate investigation conducted by RI State Police led to the arrest of a relative of Respondent, who was found to be in possession of a check belonging to Cherry Hill resident, “KI.”
July 11, 2018
Emilio Rodriguez-Peris
Physician
Disciplinary Action: Consent Order
Notes from Consent Order:
The Investigative Committee concluded there medical records did not contain adequate documentation of a treatment plan.
July 11, 2018
Vincent Montemarno, MD
Physician
Disciplinary Action: Reprimand
Notes from Consent Order:
Respondent’s office is located at 27 East Avenue, Westerly, Rhode Island.
The Board received a complaint from a physician who reported he had reason to believe a mutual patient..was diverting opioids prescribed by Respondent.
July 12, 2018
Daphne Perou
Nursing Assistant
Disciplinary Action: Suspension
Notes from Consent Order:
Respondent was employed by Comfort Keepers.
Respondent…took $500 dollars cash from the client’s home while they were sleeping.
July 19, 2018
Elilio Squillante
Pharmacist
Disciplinary Action: Reprimand
Notes from Consent Order:
A routine audit conducted by the Department demonstrated that the Respondent failed to completed continuing education requirements.
July 30, 2018
Rhode Island Hospital
Hospital
Disciplinary Action: Amended Order
Notes from Consent Order:
RIDOH determine that Respondent failed to implement and sustain process and systems to provide care and services in accordance with its written policies and procedures pertaining to patient identification and verification.
