For immediate release: December 29, 2022 (22-189)
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OLYMPIA -- The Washington State Department of Health has taken disciplinary actions or withdrawn charges against the following health care providers in our state.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 “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 December 2022 the Nursing Assistant program withdrew charges against registered nursing assistant Nicolle Melanie Caroline Rushton (NA60922449).
Clark County
In December 2022 the Dental Commission charged dental assistant Kristina Velasquez Mendoza (D160669663) with unprofessional conduct. Mendoza allegedly called prescriptions into a pharmacy for her boyfriend, using two dentists’ names without their authorization.
Island County
In December 2022 the Board of Hearing and Speech reinstated the audiologist license of Shashi L. Churchill, also known as Shashi L. Daniels (LD00002967).
King County
In December 2022 the Dental Commission charged dentist Jaime Jun Lee (DE00009424) with unprofessional conduct. Lee allegedly refused to return the remainder of a patient’s prescription for a controlled substance that Lee had directed the patient to take before a root canal. Lee also failed to document that the dentist kept it, or report that it was properly destroyed.
Pierce County
In December 2022 the secretary of health ordered Haylo Care Inc., doing business as Brightstar Care to stop acting as a nursing pool operator in Washington. Haylo provided medical staffing to pharmacies and other facilities without a nursing pool license. Haylo failed to respond to a notice of intent to issue a cease-and-desist order.
In November 2022 the secretary of health declined to grant a substance use disorder professional trainee license to Jennifer Margarett Richards (CO61267275). Richards did not accept the conditions contingent on granting the license as a result of 2019 burglary and theft convictions in Pierce County Superior Court.
In December 2022 the Mental Health Counselor Program charged mental health counselor Dathan J. Lane (LH60531446) with unprofessional conduct. Lane, the owner of the mental health counseling business Develop Minded Therapies, allegedly placed multiple hidden cameras throughout the workplace, including in two bathrooms.
Snohomish County
In December 2022 the Unlicensed Practice Program notified Tyneshia Charisma Alexander of its intention to issue a cease-and-desist order. Alexander practiced as a naturopathic physician and midwife but doesn’t have and never has held a license for either.
Spokane County
In December 2022 the Pharmacy Commission ended conditions on the pharmacist license of Lesa Ann Gibbs (PH00014701).
Thurston County
In December 2022 the Nursing Commission ended probation on the licensed practical nurse credential of Dara L. Gunstone (LP00050159).
Whatcom County
In December 2022 the Nursing Assistant Program charged certified nursing assistant Taylor Ann Marcotte (NC61046782) with unprofessional conduct. Marcotte allegedly stole $1,107 from a client via ATM withdrawals and a linked PayPal account.
Out of State
Florida: In December 2022 the Dental Commission and dentist Anthony James Spinelli (DE60448647) agreed to an order that places restrictions on his license. Spinelli must not perform third molar extractions or prescribe anxiety control medication until he completes additional education. Spinelli must also pay a fine of $5,000 and $1,666 in reimbursement for expenses.
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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