For immediate release: October 27, 2022 (22-162)
Contact: Sharon Moysiuk, Communications 360-549-6471
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OLYMPIA -- The Washington State Department of Health has taken disciplinary actions or withdrawn charges against the following health care providers in our state.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 “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.
Benton County
In September 2022 the secretary of health ended probation on the agency affiliated counselor license of Shawn Ryan Miller (CG61031050).
Chelan County
In September 2022 the secretary of health granted with conditions an agency affiliate counselor license to Makenzi Korinne Spears (CG61322032). Spears agreed to the conditions, which include, probation for two years, professional supervision, and quarterly performance evaluations. Between 2016 and 2018, Spears was convicted of theft several times, forgery, and making a false statement to a public servant.
Clark County
In September 2022 the Nursing Assistant Program and Mindy R. Garcia (NC10091985) agreed to an order to reinstate her certified nursing assistant license with conditions. Garcia must comply with a substance use monitoring program.
Jefferson County
In September 2022 the secretary of health granted with conditions a substance use disorder professional trainee license to Sara Thornton Soper (CO61202438). Soper agreed to three years’ probation, professional supervision, and quarterly performance evaluations. In 2019, Soper was convicted of theft in Jefferson County Superior Court.
King County
In September 2022 the secretary of health ordered Alisha Burns to stop practicing massage therapy in Washington. She has never had a license in this state.
In September 2022 the secretary of health ordered Complete Home Care (and Elizabeth Poiana, proprietor) to stop acting as an in-home services agency, without a license. Complete Home Care has never had a credential to operate as an in-home services agency in the state.
In September 2022 the secretary of health ordered Martha Montes to stop engaging in massage therapy in Washington. She has never had a license in this state.
Kitsap County
In September 2022 the Social Worker Program, Substance Use Disorder Professional Program, the Agency Affiliated Counselor Program and Gregory Charles Lewis (CG60686826, CO60686837, SC60704380) agreed to an order that puts Lewis’ licenses as an associate independent clinical social worker, agency affiliate counselor and substance use disorder professional trainee on probation for at least four years. Lewis agreed to have a professional supervise his practice and a supervisor submit quarterly performance evaluation reports. He must also complete an ethics course and pay a $2,000 fine. Lewis contacted a patient’s mother outside of business hours and attempted to hug, touch, and kiss her romantically.
Pierce County
In August 2022 the secretary of health revoked the home care aide license of Simon Makumi Kinuthia (HM61057621). In April, Kinuthia was convicted of assault with sexual motivation in Pierce County District Court and is therefore disqualified from working with vulnerable people.
In September 2022 the Nursing Assistant Program charged certified nursing assistant Jennifer Marie Wenski (NC60886889) with unprofessional conduct. Wenski allegedly used a client’s debit card to make $20,000 worth of purchases and ATM withdrawals after the client she cared for died.
In September 2022 the Home Care Aide Program and the Nursing Assistant Program charged home care aide and nursing assistant Anthony David Benavente (HM60991568, NA00187116) with unprofessional conduct. Benavente allegedly engaged in inappropriate verbal contact with a client and sent text messages that were sexual and made the client uncomfortable.
Skagit County
In September 2022 the Veterinary Board of Governors granted with conditions a veterinary medication clerk credential to Laura Lizann Dubcak (VM61270419). Dubcak agreed to notify employers of the decision and have them submit quarterly performance evaluation reports. In February, Dubcak was convicted of assault, theft, and malicious mischief in Kitsap County District Court and in 2020 she was convicted of violating a domestic violence no contact order.
In September 2022 the secretary of health granted with conditions a substance use disorder professional trainee license to Ashley Elizabeth Wick (CO61331547). Wick agreed to two years’ probation, professional supervision, and quarterly performance evaluation reports. In 2017, Wick was convicted of criminal trespass, theft and domestic violence assault. In 2018, she was convicted of theft.
Spokane County
In August 2022 the secretary of health granted with conditions a substance use disorder professional trainee license to Sarah Faye Love (CO61318333). Love agreed to two years’ probation, professional supervision, and quarterly performance evaluations. In 2018, Love was convicted of possession of a controlled substance and criminal possession of a financial transaction card in Idaho. In 2019, she was convicted of taking a motor vehicle without permission, identity theft and money laundering in Spokane County Superior Court.
Thurston County
In September 2022 the secretary of health withdrew charges against mental health counselor Cassie A. Icenogle (LH00010368).
Whatcom County
In September 2022 a health law judge fined dentist Andrew T. Lai (DE00009768, DE00009768) $2,170 for failing to produce records and documents for 217 days after he was required to do so.
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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