State disciplines health care providers

For immediate release: October 6, 2016                                         (16-114)

Contact:  Sharon Moysiuk, Strategic Communications Office          360-549-6471
                Public inquiries: Health Systems Customer Service         360-236-4700

State disciplines health care providers 

OLYMPIA -- The Washington State Department of Health has taken disciplinary actions or withdrawn charges against health care providers in our state.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., medical doctors, nurses, counselors).

Information about health care providers is on the agency website. Click on “Look up a health care provider license” in the “How Do I?” 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.

Clallam County

In July 2016 the Dental Commission agreed to reinstate the dentist credential of Rachelle Anne Riepe (DE60105845), placed her on probation for at least three years, and ordered her to continue complying with a monitoring contract. Riepe’s license was suspended in 2015 in connection with mental health issues.

In July 2016 the Chemical Dependency Professional Program charged chemical dependency professional trainee Colette Rapp (CO60282499) with unprofessional conduct. In 2015 Rapp pleaded guilty to second-degree theft. In 2016 Rapp pleaded guilty to possession of a controlled substance – methamphetamine, and bail jumping on misdemeanor and felony charges.

Clark County

In July 2016 the Agency-Affiliated Counselor Program charged agency-affiliated counselor Eric Nolan Johnson (CG60488388) with unprofessional conduct. Johnson allegedly took a client to a nude beach, where he was nude in front of the client, made explicit sexual comments, and inappropriately touched the client.

In July 2016 the Psychology Board entered an agreement with psychologist Christopher K. Johnson (PY00000813) that releases him from a 2014 agreement, fines him $2,000, requires him to practice under supervision, and mandates additional continuing education. Johnson provided a substandard patient evaluation, delayed submitting another patient’s evaluation, and created a dual relationship with a patient by evaluating the patient to form an expert opinion for use in litigation and treating that same patient instead of referring the patient to another provider for treatment.

In July 2016 the Massage Program charged massage practitioner Rawle A. Morris (MA00024872) with unprofessional conduct. Morris allegedly didn’t provide adequate proof of having completed required continuing education.

In July 2016 the Chiropractic Commission charged chiropractor Nicholas M. Peck (CH00033852) with unprofessional conduct. Peck allegedly kept inadequate records and used an inappropriate billing code.

Cowlitz County

In June 2016 the secretary of health denied a registered nursing assistant credential to Steven Elliott Crane (NA60633171). On his application, Crane lied about his criminal history.

In August 2016 the Psychology Board charged psychologist R Russ (PY60373444) with unprofessional conduct. Charges say Russ failed a required ethics program.

In August 2016 the secretary of health ended probation for certified nursing assistant Matthew Daniel Levi St. John (NC60448801).

Grays Harbor County

In July 2016 the secretary of health conditionally granted a chemical dependency professional credential to Kenneth Allen Boice (CP60655745), who must continue to comply with conditions imposed when he received a chemical dependency professional trainee credential in 2014.

Island County

In July 2016 the secretary of health ended probation for chemical dependency professional trainee Brooke Michelle Smith (CO60389083).

King County

In July 2016 the secretary of health ended conditions on the credential of home care aide Jin-Ah Jin Kim (HM60460958).

In June 2016 the secretary of health denied a home care aide credential to Olha Shadrukhina (HM60558476). In 2015 Shadrukhina was convicted of third-degree theft, disqualifying her from being employed as a long-term care worker or home care aide.

In July 2016 the Nursing Commission charged registered nurse Susan M. Tekola (RN00110993) with being unable to practice with reasonable skill and safety because of mental health issues. 

In July 2016 the Nursing Commission charged registered nurse Yodit R. Tekia (RN60085999) with unprofessional conduct. Tekia allegedly didn’t change a patient’s dressing, but charted that she had. 

In July 2016 the Counselor Program charged chemical dependency professional trainee Caitrin Eva Connolly (CO60549975) with unprofessional conduct. Connolly allegedly didn’t comply with a substance abuse monitoring contract. 

Mason County 

In July 2016 the Medical Assistant Program charged certified medical assistant Michelle Christina Seligbon (CM60373120) with unprofessional conduct. Seligbon allegedly sought and received prescriptions for narcotic pain medication under false pretenses, using forged documents. 

Pierce County 

In July 2016 the Dental Commission ended conditions on the credential of dentist Christopher Alan Wodja (DE00009263). 

In July 2016 the Nursing Commission charged licensed practical nurse Jessica J. Pampalos (LP00044056) with unprofessional conduct. Pampalos allegedly didn’t comply with a substance abuse monitoring contract. 

In August 2016 the secretary of health ended probation for agency-affiliated counselor Kelly Virginia Holmes (CG60452371). 

In July 2016 the Nursing Assistant Program charged registered nursing assistant and certified nursing assistant Katherine Andrea Joy Pierce (NA60290557, NC60520494) with unprofessional conduct. Pierce allegedly altered paychecks she received from an elderly patient, financially exploiting the patient for more than $1,500. 

Snohomish County 

In June 2016 the Nursing Commission charged licensed practical nurse Daniel W. Cook (LP60117443) with unprofessional conduct. Cook allegedly didn’t comply with an order to undergo a mental examination. 

In July 2016 the Pharmacy Commission charged pharmacy assistant Brande L. Schoolcraft (VB60405271) with unprofessional conduct. Schoolcraft allegedly admitted taking controlled substances and merchandise from the pharmacy where she worked.