For immediate release: September 5, 2024 (24-105)
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OLYMPIA -- The Washington State Department of Health has taken disciplinary actions or withdrawn charges against the following health care providers in our state.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.
Adams County
In July 2024 the secretary of health charged registered nursing assistant Yvette Verduzco (NA60628958) with unprofessional conduct. In June 2020, Verduzco was convicted of driving under the influence of intoxicants, a gross misdemeanor. In December 2023, Verduzco entered an agreement for a stipulated order of continuance with conditions on a charge of first-degree negligent driving, a misdemeanor.
Cowlitz County
In July 2024 the secretary of health charged agency affiliated counselor Michelle Anne Taylor (CG60526398) with unprofessional conduct. In December 2021 and March 2023, Taylor was charged with driving under the influence.
Douglas County
In July 2024 the Board of Nursing (formerly the Nursing Commission) terminated the probation on the registered nurse license of Darcy A. Rathka (RN60028951).
King County
In July 2024 the secretary of health reinstated the massage therapist license of Meijun Guo (MA60374295) with conditions. Guo must not engage in solo practice as a massage therapist for three years and the massage therapist license is placed on probation for three years. During this probation period, Guo must provide a copy of the agreed order on reinstatement to his current and future health care employers, be supervised by a health care employer who submits quarterly performance evaluation reports, complete 12 hours of continuing education and allow unannounced audits.
In June 2024 the Dental Quality Assurance Commission denied the dental assistant license of Emma R. Shevchenko (D161503610). In October 2023, Shevchenko indicated on her application that she was 14 years old. As a legal minor, Shevchenko may not participate in an occupation where there is a risk of exposure to bodily fluids or transmission of infectious agents.
In July 2024 the secretary of health terminated the probation on the licensed behavior analyst license of Heung Suk Yang (BA61289602).
Okanogan County
In July 2024 the Board of Nursing (formerly the Nursing Commission) and Eileen Marie Lombardi (RN60130366, AP61089190-NP) entered an agreed order with conditions on Lombardi’s registered nurse and advanced registered nurse practitioner licenses. Lombardi must continue to comply with a monitoring program. In October 2023, Lombardi removed hydromorphone for multiple patients who did not have orders for hydromorphone. Lombardi did not document the administration or waste of this medication. Lombardi admitted to diverting controlled substances for approximately two years.
Pacific County
In July 2024 the secretary of health terminated the probation on the agency affiliated counselor license of Arwen Evenstar Moody (CG61290409).
Pierce County
In July 2024 the Board of Nursing (formerly the Nursing Commission) charged registered nurse John Michael Mozer (RN60542995) and alleged he may be unable to practice with reasonable skill and safety by reason of a medical condition. Alleged facts state that in October 2023 and November 2023, Mozer underwent a neuropsychological evaluation and was found to have a medical condition that affects his ability to safely practice without restrictions.
In August 2024 the secretary of health charged emergency medical technician Kory Evan Fergusson (ES60977223) with unprofessional conduct. In November 2022, Fergusson allegedly tested positive for illegal substances in October 2022. Fergusson was terminated in November 2022 because of the positive test.
Spokane County
In July 2024 the secretary of health terminated the probation on the certified medical assistant license of Anna M. Lafountain (CM61490838).
In July 2024 the secretary of health withdrew the statement of charges against midwife Dawn Marie Brown (MW60857630).
Thurston County
In April 2024 the secretary of health denied the mental health counselor associate license of Barbarann Gabrielle Kuik (MC61517740). In July 2023, Kuik was advised that her marriage and family therapist associate credential would be rescinded and her application to practice would be moved to “pending” due to an adverse action taken on a license in another state. Kuik’s marriage and family therapist associate application is currently in “pending” status.
In July 2024 the secretary of health granted Nikki Kae Scott (CM61560931) a license to practice as a certified medical assistant with conditions on the license. Scott must contact and participate in a recovery and monitoring program. In July 2015, Scott was convicted of driving under the influence, a gross misdemeanor. In June 2022, Scott was convicted of 3rd degree driving while license suspended, a gross misdemeanor. In November 2022, Scott was convicted of driving under the influence and ignition interlock violation, both gross misdemeanors. In December 2023, Scott’s certified nursing assistant and registered nursing assistant credentials were indefinitely suspended for failing to comply with an order.
Whatcom County
In July 2024 the Board of Nursing (formerly the Nursing Commission) terminated the probation on the registered nurse license of Matthew J. Danz (RN00148293).
In July 2024 the secretary of health terminated the probation on the mental health counselor license of Christopher Vernon Lindstrom Giffen (LH61400261).
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.
The DOH website is your source for a healthy dose of information. Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and follow us on X (formerly Twitter). Sign up for the DOH blog, Public Health Connection.
###