State disciplines health care providers

For immediate release: February 13, 2023   (23-017)

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OLYMPIA -- The Washington State Department of Health has taken disciplinary actions or withdrawn charges against the following health care providers in our state.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

King County

In January 2023 the Board of Physical Therapy charged physical therapy assistant Andrea Janeen Cain (P160573213) with unprofessional conduct. Cain allegedly forged two patients’ names, misrepresenting to their employers that she had provided physical therapy services when she hadn’t.

In January 2023 the Medical Assistant Program charged certified medical assistant Samantha Lynn McNeff (CM60645833) with unprofessional conduct. McNeff allegedly used her employer’s medical record system to inappropriately access a patient’s personal medical information.

In January 2023 the secretary of health reinstated the certified nursing assistant license of Felomina A. Obando (NC10080562).

Kitsap County

In January 2023 the Substance Use Disorder Professional Program and the Medical Assistant Program charged Meghan Nicole Pierson (CO61184172, CM60689360) with unprofessional conduct. Pierson, who has a credential to practice as a substance use disorder professional trainee and a medical assistant license eligible for renewal, allegedly inappropriately contacted and communicated with two clients, including propositioning one.

Lewis County

In January 2023 the secretary of health granted with conditions a certified nursing assistant license to Anna Marie Kooi (NC60290524). Kooi agreed to the conditions, which include probation for two years and quarterly performance evaluations. In 2021 Kooi was convicted of three counts of identity theft in Lewis County Superior Court.

Pierce County

In January 2023 the Nursing Commission and registered nurse Abigail Rene Sodano (RN60291039) agreed to an order that requires Sodano to continue to participate in a substance use monitoring program.

In January 2023 the secretary of health conditionally granted a substance use disorder professional trainee license to Theresa Gwen Banzet (CO61360518). Banzet agreed to probation for two years, professional supervision, and quarterly performance evaluations. In 2018, Banzet was convicted of assault—domestic violence. In 2016, she was convicted of violating a no contact order—domestic violence.

In January 2023 the Nursing Commission charged registered nurse and advanced registered nurse practitioner Darren Terry Freeman (AP60607117-NP, RN60607116) with unprofessional conduct. Freeman allegedly made an appointment with an evaluator for a Commission-ordered mental health examination and allegedly failed to appear for it.

In January 2023 the Nursing Commission and licensed practical nurse Diana L. Green, also known as Diana L. Snead (LP00025789), agreed to an order reinstating her credential with conditions. The conditions are that Green’s license will be placed on probation while she completes a refresher class, and she must continue to comply with a substance monitoring program.

Snohomish County

In January 2023 the Nursing Commission ended probation on the registered nurse license of Barbara Maria Prajzner (RN00069892).

Spokane County

In January 2023 the Substance Use Disorder Professional Program charged substance use disorder professional Darcie June Crandall (CP60080422) with unprofessional conduct. Crandall allegedly fraudulently documented the length of her phone services to be more than the actual time spent with eight patients.

January 2023 the Nursing Assistant Program reinstated with conditions the certified nursing assistant license of Kristena Elisha Buege (NC61040370). Buege agreed to the conditions, which included probation for at least one year and quarterly performance evaluations.

Yakima County

In January 2023 the secretary of health conditionally granted a substance use disorder professional trainee license to Steve A. Jimenez (CO61314552). Jimenez agreed to the conditions, which include three years’ probation, professional supervision, and quarterly performance evaluations. In 2019 he was convicted of theft in Yakima County Superior Court.

Out of State

Idaho: In December 2022 the secretary of health denied the home care aide application of Tailyn Z. Carter (HM61248141). In August, the Department of Social and Health Services placed Carter on the registry of people disqualified from caring for vulnerable adults or children. In February 2022 Carter claimed hours as a caregiver that he did not provide, putting a patient at risk.

Pennsylvania: In January 2023 the Nursing Commission and registered nurse Nathaniel David Swift-Erslev (RN60832241) agreed to an order that reinstates his license provided he continues with a substance monitoring program.

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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