For immediate release: April 15, 2015                                                         (15-056)

Contacts:         Marqise Allen, Communications Office                                 360-236-4072
                        Kelly Stowe, Communications Office                                    360-236-4022

Kitsap County home care aid suspended for sexual misconduct

OLYMPIA -- State health officials have immediately suspended a Kitsap County home care aid’s license for allegedly having sexual contact with a client.

Catherine Grace Erntson (HMCC.HM.60346813) was criminally charged in February in Kitsap County Superior Court with indecent liberties, a Class C felony and sex offense. Erntson allegedly had sexual contact with a developmentally disabled adult more than one time between May 1, 2013 and February 28, 2014.

Erntson cannot practice in Washington until the charges are resolved. She has 20 days to respond to the charges and ask for a hearing.

Legal documents in this case are available by clicking the link to “Provider Credential Search” on the agency home page or by calling 360-236-4700.

The Department of Health protects and promotes public health, safety, and welfare in Washington by regulating the competency and quality of health care providers. The agency establishes, monitors, and enforces qualifications for licensing, consistent standards of practice, continuing competency mechanisms, and discipline. Rules, policies, and procedures promote the delivery of quality health care to people in Washington.

The Department of Health website (www.doh.wa.gov) is your source for a healthy dose of information. Also, find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

###