Politics & Government

State Suspends License of Kirkland Veterinarian

The Department of Health alleges the vet used drugs and was unconscious in her office.

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.

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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:

Find out what's happening in Kirklandwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

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.


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