The state Department of Health suspended the license of a Kirkland veterinarian, alleging that she abused drugs in her clinic.
According to a statement of charges, Cathy A. Johnson-Delaney took isoflourine, an inhaled anesthetic, making her intoxicated and unconscious while she was in her veterinary clinic.
Johnson-Delaney operates , which apparently moved in May from north Juanita to the Totem Lake area, according to the clinic’s website. A message on the clinic’s phone said the facility was closed and would not be open Saturday.
She faces a hearing and cannot work as a veterinarian in the state pending the outcome of the hearing.
Kirkland Patch is attempting to reach Johnson-Delaney and will update this story with any developments.
The clinic’s website calls Johnson-Delaney “an international speaker on all aspects of nontraditional companion animals and is the author of the best-selling Exotic Companion Medicine Handbook for Veterinarians."
Here is the Department of Health's news release:
Drug allegation results in King County veterinarian’s suspension
Charges say woman was intoxicated, unconscious in her Kirkland clinic
OLYMPIA -- The Veterinary Board of Governors and the Washington State Department of Health have immediately suspended the license of Kirkland veterinarian Cathy A. Johnson-Delaney (VT.00002784) because of drug abuse allegations.
According to the statement of charges, on multiple occasions Johnson-Delaney took isoflourine, an inhaled anesthetic. It made her intoxicated and unconscious while she was in her veterinary clinic, the charges say.
She cannot practice or work as a veterinarian in Washington pending the outcome of a hearing.
Consumers who believe a health care provider acted unprofessionally are encouraged to call the Department of Health at 360-236-4700 to report their complaint. A complaint form is also online (www.doh.wa.gov/hsqa/documents/complaint.pdf). The form can be mailed, e-mailed, or faxed to the agency’s Health Systems Quality Assurance division.
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.
I've known this remarkable veterinarian since 1993. She is a valued and highly respected colleague. As a highly intelligent and somewhat quirky person (the two often go together) I can see where perhaps her behaviors may have been misread by someone who doesn't know her well. But yes IF she has a substance abuse problem, by all means I too hope age gets help. If not, I hope she gets justice. She has an amazing mind and an enormous heart. I hope she will get to continue to practice in this field to hich she has already made huge contributions.
I was also trying to show her some grace--which perhaps didn't come through in my post. Yes, she is allowed her chance to disprove the allegations. If not true--then it would be a whole different kind of tragedy.