State disciplines health care providers

OLYMPIA -- The Washington State Department of Health has taken disciplinary actions or withdrawn charges against the following health care providers in our state.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.

Island County

In December 2022 the Nursing Commission charged licensed practical nurse Julie Ann Moehring (LP60329704) with unprofessional conduct. Moehring allegedly violated a substance monitoring contract by testing positive for alcohol and refusing to comply with treatment recommendations.

Jefferson County

In November 2022 the Veterinary Board of Governors charged veterinary technician Sara Ruth Penhallegon (AT60337137) with unprofessional conduct. Penhallegon allegedly practiced outside the scope of a veterinary technician, by anesthetizing a dog patient without direct supervision or when it was an emergency, and by sedating a dog patient without indirect supervision.

King County

In November 2022 the Unlicensed Practice Program notified Wei Zhong of its intent to issue a cease-and-desist order for allegedly practicing massage without a Washington license.

In November 2022 the secretary of health granted with conditions an agency affiliated counselor license to Diane Melanie Koch (CG60420573). Koch agreed to the conditions, which include three years of monitoring, classes on ethics and boundaries, professional supervision, and quarterly evaluation reports, among other provisions. Koch, who had a mental health counselor associate credential, submitted claims with the incorrect provider to an insurer and practiced without a required supervisor for over three years.

Pierce County

In November 2022 the Nursing Commission charged registered nurse Krista Lyn Franco (RN60505027) with unprofessional conduct. Franco entered a five-year substance use monitoring program and allegedly tested positive for fentanyl. She didn’t respond to the Nursing Commission’s request for a written statement.

In November 2022 the Unlicensed Practice Program notified Yanke Cai of its intent to issue a cease-and-desist order for allegedly practicing massage without a Washington license.

In November 2022 the Dental Commission and dental assistant Jasmine Lavina Naniloa Kananiokahome Caminos (D160575758) agreed to an order that reinstates her license with conditions. Caminos agreed to comply with a substance use monitoring contract.

In November 2022 the secretary of health reinstated the registered nursing assistant license of Simon N. Waiyaki (NA60298567).

In November 2022 the Agency Affiliated Counselor and the Nursing Assistant Programs and Devin Tavares Scott (CG60949322, NC60456202) entered an agreement that places Scott’s agency affiliated counselor and certified nursing assistant licenses on probation for three years. Scott agreed to complete a boundaries and ethics program, and he must have his supervisor submit quarterly performance evaluations. After a patient at Western State Hospital where Scott worked threw a yogurt near his feet, Scott responded with unprofessional and forceful contact resulting in minor injuries to the patient’s hand, elbow, neck, and face.

Skagit County

In November 2022 the secretary of health granted with conditions a substance use disorder professional trainee license to Lindsey Ranee Ott (CO61340306). Ott agreed to the conditions, which include two years’ probation, professional supervision, and quarterly reports. In 2019, Ott was convicted of driving under the influence and operating a vehicle without an interlock ignition device in Everett Municipal Court. In 2017, she was convicted of possession of a controlled substance by a person confined in a correctional institution, in Skagit County Superior Court.