November 23, 2004

The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) has summarily suspended the licensed practical nurse license of Winifred Ann Uithol, L.P.N., based on her misdemeanor convictions in the 86th Judicial District Court, Grand Traverse County, Michigan.

Uithol failed to report her August 17, 2004 conviction to MDCH as required by the Public Health Code. On October 28, 2003, Uithol was convicted of Controlled Substance – Possession of Marijuana, a misdemeanor. The conviction stemmed from Uithol’s possession of 11 marijuana plants and approximately 14 grams of loose-leaf marijuana.

Uithol’s sentence was deferred pursuant to section 7411 of the Public Health Code. On August 17, 2004, Uithol was convicted of violating the terms of her criminal probation. As a result, Uithol’s deferred probationary status was revoked and she was ordered to undergo treatment for relapse prevention and submit to weekly urine drug screens.

On November 8, 2004, MDCH issued an order immediately suspending Uithol’s license pursuant to the Public Health Code which provides for the mandatory summary suspension of a health professional’s license upon the conviction of a felony or a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for a maximum of two years or a misdemeanor involving the illegal delivery, possession, or use of a controlled substance. An administrative hearing will be scheduled to address the status of Uithol’s nursing license.

For more information on disciplinary actions taken by the health professional licensing boards within MDCH, please go to http://www.michigan.gov/mdch, and click on Health Systems and Licensing.