For immediate release: June 28, 2024 (24-078)
Contact: DOH Communications
Public inquiries: Health Systems Customer Service 360-236-4700
OLYMPIA -- The Washington State Department of Health has taken disciplinary actions or withdrawn charges against the following health care providers in our state.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 media@wmc.wa.gov.
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.
Chelan County
In June 2024 the Board of Nursing (formerly the Nursing Commission) charged registered nurse Gina Marie Huseman (RN60838074) with unprofessional conduct. Charges state that in August 2022, the Board received a complaint from the facility Huseman was working at regarding her ability to practice with reasonable skill and safety. In July 2022, the facility completed a behavioral patterns and observations checklist for Huseman which included behaviors such as difficulty concentrating, making incoherent or irrelevant statements on the job, and dramatic change in behavior or mood. Huseman was removed from patient care pending a psychiatric evaluation. In November 2023, the Board issued a notice of intent to order examination which Huseman did not submit a timely response to. Huseman has also failed to comply with the terms of a March 2024 order to submit a mental examination.
Clallam County
In June 2024 the secretary of health terminated the probation on the agency affiliated counselor license of Michelle Margaret Duvall (CG61234863).
Clark County
In June 2024 the secretary of health reinstated the x-ray technician license of Marci L. Evans (XT00006588).
Cowlitz County
In June 2024 the secretary of health reinstated the certified nursing assistant license of Bradley Norman Laird (NC61222933) provided credentialing requirements are met. The certified nursing assistant license is on probation for one year, during which time Laird must work under a health care employer who submits quarterly performance evaluation reports and permit audits for at least five patient records.
Island County
In April 2024, the secretary of health denied the medical assistant-phlebotomist license application of Jherika Keiana-Chere' Jones (PC61372588). In October 2023, Jones was convicted of residential burglary-domestic violence, a class B felony, domestic violence felon violation of a court order, a class C felony, and felony stalking.
King County
In May 2024 the secretary of health terminated the probation on the substance use disorder professional trainee license of Kevin L. Allen (CO61034469).
In June 2024 the secretary of health terminated the probation on the substance use disorder professional trainee license of Michael Alan Mitchell-Preston (CO61146724).
Kitsap County
In June 2024 the secretary of health reinstated the certified nursing assistant license of Kalinia Renkel (NC10086282).
Lewis County
In January 2024 the secretary of health denied the registered medical assistant license application of Sara Diana Vasquez (MR61473499). In June 2021 and March 2021, Vasquez was convicted of driving under the influence, a gross misdemeanor.
Pierce County
In June 2024 the Veterinary Board of Governors withdrew the statement of charges against veterinarian Joel Dennison Cuthbert (VT00007068).
In April 2024 the Board of Nursing Home Administrators denied the nursing home administrator license application of Audrey Faye Liggins (NH61453458). In April 2022, Liggins’ nursing home administrator license in the State of Nevada was suspended due to negligence, failure to comply with health and safety requirements or state health code, patient neglect, and patient abuse, with no right to reapply for 10 years.
Thurston County
In June 2024 the secretary of health granted Dejournette Elizabeth Monet Denny (CM61392577) a license to practice as a medical assistant. Denny must continue to comply with the requirements in the agreement to practice with conditions from May 2023.
Walla Walla County
In May 2024 the secretary of health granted Jacob Leroy Tucker (HM61141906) a license to practice as a home care aide with conditions on the license. In July 2019, Tucker entered a stipulation to informal disposition (STID), in which he surrendered his massage therapist license due to a sexual misconduct allegation. The home care aide license is on probation for two years, during which time Tucker must provide all current and future heath care employers with a copy of the 2019 STID, as well as the 2024 agreement to practice with conditions. Tucker must also work under an employer who submits quarterly performance evaluation reports, and he must allow audits of his records.
Yakima County
In May 2024 the secretary of health charged massage therapist Nicole Marie Reyes (MA60523229) with unprofessional conduct. Charges state that from December 2021 to February 2023, Reyes engaged in inappropriate and sexually explicit text messages with a client.
Note to Editors: Health care providers charged with unprofessional conduct have 20 days to respond to the Department of Health in writing. The case then enters the settlement process. If no disciplinary agreement can be reached, the case will go to a hearing.
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