State disciplines health care providers

OLYMPIA -- The Washington State Department of Health has taken disciplinary actions or withdrawn charges against the following health care providers in our state.

The department's Health Systems Quality Assurance Division works with boards, commissions, and advisory committees to set licensing standards for more than 80 health care professions (e.g., dentists, nurses, counselors). Information about disciplinary action taken against medical doctors and physician assistants can be found on the Washington Medical Commission (WMC) website. Questions about WMC disciplinary actions can be sent to [email protected].

Information about health care providers is on the agency website. Click on "Health Care Provider Lookup" under the "Find it Fast" section of the Department of Health website (doh.wa.gov).The site includes information about a health care provider's license status, the expiration and renewal date of their credential, disciplinary actions and copies of legal documents issued after July 1998. This information is also available by calling 360-236-4700. Consumers who think a health care provider acted unprofessionally are encouraged to call and report their complaint.

Benton County

In June 2024 the secretary of health denied the registered medical assistant license of Tabitha Rose Breshears (MR61509116). In April 2024, Breshears failed to comply with the Department of Health's substance use evaluation requirement.

Grant County

In June 2024 the secretary of health denied the home care aide license of Jose Pedro Solis (HM61422081). In August 2019, Solis was convicted of a Violation of the Uniform Controlled Substances Act (VUCSA)-deliver cocaine or heroin, a class B felony. In December 2008, Solis was convicted of attempted second-degree murder - intentional, a class A felony.

Grays Harbor County

In July 2024 the secretary of health charged home care aide Mai Nelson (HM60547134) with unprofessional conduct. In October 2023, Nelson was convicted of driving under the influence, a class B felony.

King County

In July 2024 the Dental Quality Assurance Commission reinstated the dental assistant license of Heather Lynn Chaudoin (D160091351).

In July 2024 the secretary of health charged emergency medical technician Paul Germaine Pinkstaff (ES60583002) with unprofessional conduct. In May 2023, Pinkstaff responded to a 911 call for a patient who was suffering from a fever and asthma symptoms. Pinkstaff allegedly failed to take the patient's vitals, check her breathing or get an oximeter reading.

In July 2024 the secretary of health reinstated the massage therapist license of He Huang (MA60594161) with conditions. The massage therapist license is placed on probation for two years during which time Huang must provide a disclosure of the 2021 agreed order and the agreed order on reinstatement to any patient scheduled for an appointment. Huang must also allow unannounced audits of at least 10 patient records and be supervised by a health care employer who submits quarterly performance evaluations.

In July 2024 the secretary of health and Agnes Muthoni Muriu (HM60926144, NA60900656) entered an agreed order placing conditions on her home care aide and registered nursing assistant licenses. The home care aide and registered nursing assistant licenses are on probation for five years during which time Muriu must provide a copy of the agreed order to her current and future health care employers and be supervised by a health care employer who submits quarterly performance evaluation reports. Muriu must also pay $500 fine and complete 12 hours of continuing education. In April 2022, Muriu failed to report an adverse event at the retirement home where she was employed.

In July 2024 the Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission and Samah Omar Hassanein (PH00049037) entered an agreed order placing conditions on her pharmacist license. The pharmacist license is on probation for two years during which time Hassanein must provide a copy of the agreed order to her current and future health care employers and be supervised by a health care employer who submits quarterly performance evaluation reports. Hassanein must also pay a $2,000 fine and comply with the behavioral health monitoring contract currently in place. From January to May 2023, Hassanein improperly dispensed a controlled substance on approximately five different occasions.

Pierce County

In July 2024 the Chiropractic Quality Assurance Commission reinstated the chiropractor license of Jamie Kathleen Mullen (CH60582943).

In July 2024 the secretary of health issued a cease-and-desist order to Chantrelle Lawrence. Lawrence administered the Bordetella vaccine to patients 2-4 times a week for five years without holding a credential to practice veterinary medicine. October 2023 was the last time Lawrence administered the vaccine.

In July 2024 the secretary of health issued a cease-and-desist order to Erica Schaefer. Schaefer administered the Bordetella vaccine to patients 2-4 times a week for three years without holding a credential to practice veterinary medicine. October 2023 was the last time Schaefer administered the vaccine.

In July 2024 the secretary of health issued a cease-and-desist order to Miranda Turner. Turner administered the Bordetella vaccine to patients 2-4 times a week for five years without holding a credential to practice veterinary medicine. October 2023 was the last time Turner administered the vaccine.

In January 2024 the secretary of health denied the registered nursing assistant license of Kristina Marie Auckland (NA61469516). In October 2022, Auckland's license to practice as a licensed practical nurse was indefinitely suspended. Auckland failed to participate in a monitoring program.

Snohomish County

In July 2024 the secretary of health terminated the probation on the substance use disorder professional trainee license of Kimberly Denise McIntosh (CO61252332).

Spokane County

In July 2024 the secretary of health terminated the probation on the physical therapist license of Erik Jeffrey Patterson (PT60815362).

In July 2024 the secretary of health terminated the probation on the agency affiliated counselor license of John Herlin Tollefson, Jr. (CG61192082).

In July 2024 the secretary of health reinstated the registered medical assistant licenses of Clarisa Marie Chavarria (MR60708518, MR60984601, MR61008065).

Thurston County

In June 2024 the secretary of health issued a cease-and-desist order to Qi Xue Zou Zhao. Zhao must cease and desist from engaging in the unlicensed practice of massage therapy and pay a $1,000 fine. In August 2023, a health care investigator conducted an on-site visit to a massage therapy business and observed Zhao performing a massage without holding a massage therapist license.

Whatcom County

In July 2024 the secretary of health granted Elyse Ann Barstow (NA60356439) a license to practice as a registered nursing assistant with conditions on the license. Barstow must be supervised by a qualified health care employer who submits quarterly performance evaluation reports. In November 2020 and November 2017, Barstow was convicted twice of driving under the influence, both gross misdemeanors.