For immediate release: December 12, 2024 (24-138)
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OLYMPIA -- The Washington State Department of Health has taken disciplinary actions or withdrawn charges against the following health care providers in our state.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.
Clark County
In September 2024 the secretary of health released Brittani Ann LaVelle (MR61386010) from the terms and conditions of her registered medical assistant license.
Cowlitz County
In September 2024 the secretary of health terminated the probation on the certified medical assistant license of Michelle Nicole Luton (CM60442747).
Grays Harbor
In September 2024 the secretary of health released Darcy Jean Gibbons (CP61474382) from the terms and conditions of their substance use disorder professional license.
King County
In September 2024 the secretary of health granted Erin Elizabeth Damitio (BA61580872) a license to practice as a behavior analyst with conditions on the license.
In November 2024 the Unlicensed Practice Program issued Maria Estevez a permanent cease-and-desist order after Estevez was found to have engaged in the practice of massage therapy without a license. Estevez must also pay a $1,000 civil fine.
In August 2024 the secretary of health denied the application of Julian Wright (CB61494680) for a license to practice as a certified behavior technician. In January 2024, Wright allegedly used physical restraint on a minor where they were employed and later stated they had left Washington state and did not want to maintain credentials.
Pierce County
In September 2024 the secretary of health charged certified behavioral technician Jevon Marcel Adams (CB61200620) with unprofessional conduct. Charges state in November 2022, Adams allegedly used unreasonable force on two students. He was subsequently terminated from his employment and a police report was filed against him for assault. In December 2024, Adams then failed to respond to a DOH letter of cooperation.
Skagit County
In September 2024 the Podiatric Medical Board released Michael B. Riojas (PO00000735) from the terms and conditions of their podiatric physician and surgeon license.
Spokane County
In September 2024 the Nursing Assistant Program charged certified nursing assistant Tina Marie Seals (NC61514975, NA61487715) with unprofessional conduct. In January 2024, Seals allegedly attempted to transfer a patient alone using a lift, violating the two-person requirement. The patient fell and broke their arm during the transfer.
In September 2024 the Home Care Aide Program charged home care aide Anna Wardian (HM61188913) with unprofessional conduct. Alleged facts state that between 2023 and 2024, Wardian’s patient was observed with unexplained injuries immediately after she provided care. Wardian was also heard on video making objectionable comments to the same patient.
Walla Walla County
In September 2024 the secretary of health denied Brian Scott Dean (NA61582617) a license to practice as a registered nursing assistant.
Whatcom County
In September 2024 the Occupational Therapy Practice Board amended charges of occupational therapist Susan A. McNutt (OT00001123). Amended facts state that between 2021 and 2023, McNutt saw patients while intoxicated.
Out of State
California: In September 2024 the Massage Therapist Program charged Hongli Han (MA61257505) with unprofessional conduct. In February 2024, Han’s national exam was invalidated and in 2013, they surrendered their Florida license amid allegations of fraudulent education documents.
Florida: In September 2024 the Nursing Assistant Program charged registered nursing assistant Donna Patrice St. Marie Bucknell (NA61228692) with unprofessional conduct. Bucknell allegedly borrowed $200 from a patient at the adult home where she worked.
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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