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OLYMPIA -- The Washington State Department of Health has taken disciplinary actions or withdrawn charges against the following health care providers in our state.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

Benton County

In January 2023 the Massage Therapist Program amended the charges against Kyle Stephen Pierce (MA60216293), whose massage therapist license is currently summarily suspended for inappropriately touching patients. The amended charges include a fifth patient Pierce allegedly massaged under the sheet on her breasts. Pierce is charged with four counts of felony indecent liberties in Benton County Superior Court.

Clark County

In January 2023 the secretary of health reinstated the certified nursing assistant license of Akberet M. Tekle (NC10083574).

In January 2023 the secretary of health denied the agency affiliated counselor license application of Michelle Lynn Kovich (CG61285322), who did not agree to conditions on the license. In 2019, Kovich was convicted of battery and in 2017, aggravated battery, both in Florida.

In January 2023 the secretary of health conditionally granted an agency affiliated counselor license to Jacob Michael Phillips (CG61240416). Phillips agreed to the conditions, which include probation for two years, professional supervision, and quarterly performance evaluations. Phillips was convicted of conspiracy to violate the controlled substance act in 2018 and two counts of criminal impersonation in 2017.

Cowlitz County

In January 2023 the secretary of health lifted the suspension of the health care assistant credential of Kendra Nicole Disspain (HC60068115) and placed the license in a terminated status. Disspain can apply for a new credential as a medical assistant.

Grays Harbor County

In January 2023 the secretary of health denied the registered nursing assistant license of Tina Louise Sariego (NA61275813) because she did not obtain a required substance use evaluation. Sariego was convicted of driving under the influence in 2019 and 2017.

Jefferson County

In January 2023 the secretary of health conditionally granted an agency affiliated counselor license to Nicole Victoria June Kelley (CG61354833). Kelley agreed to the conditions, which include probation for three years, professional supervision, and quarterly performance evaluations. In 2019, Kelley was convicted of theft, and in 2017, she was convicted of burglary.

King County

In August 2022 the Unlicensed Practice Program and Yelena Leonchenkova agreed to an order that bars her from practicing medicine. Between December 2019 and February 2020, she practiced medicine by injecting Botox into a person, without a physician’s license.

In January 2023 the secretary of health and Kiara Monet Patterson (CG61294531) agreed to an order that grants her an agency affiliated counselor license, which will be placed on probation for two years. She will have professional supervision and ensure her supervisor submits quarterly performance evaluations.

In January 2023 the secretary of health conditionally granted a registered nursing assistant license to Jacolby Damon Dickens (NA60149632). Dickens agreed to the conditions, which include probation for at least one year and quarterly performance evaluations. In May 2022, Dickens entered a deferred sentence for assault in Kent Municipal Court.

Snohomish County

In February 2023 the Massage Therapy Program withdrew charges against massage therapist Kelly A. Robison (MA60338577).

Spokane County

In December 2022 the Examining Board of Psychology and psychologist John W. Fishburne (PY00003685) agreed to an order that places his credential on probation for at least 36 months. During probation, a professional will supervise Fishburne’s practice and a health care supervisor will submit semi-annual performance evaluations. He must also pass an ethics course, pass the Board’s jurisprudence exam, and pay a $5,000 fine. Fishburne agreed to be the executor of a client’s estate in the event of the client’s death, an action falling below the standard of care that could have harmed the client.

In January 2023 the Nursing Assistant Program and certified nursing assistant Aisha Shanae Spears-Foster (NC10078302) agreed to an order that puts her license on probation for at least one year. She’ll also need to undergo a mental health evaluation and have her employer submit quarterly performance evaluations. She’s had both mental health and substance use treatment recently.

Thurston County

In January 2023 the secretary of health ended conditions on the substance use disorder professional trainee license of Dawn Marie Barnett (CO60833002).

In February 2023 the Home Care Aide and Nursing Assistant Programs charged certified home care aide and registered nursing assistant Michelle Katherine Bregent (HM60858783, NA60575884) with unprofessional conduct. Bregent allegedly had difficulty speaking, fell asleep while sitting up, and couldn’t visually focus while working. Tests allegedly showed she was under the influence of controlled substances that had not been prescribed for her.

In February 2023 the Nursing Assistant Program charged registered nursing assistant Diane Cecilia Fruean (NA61126437) with unprofessional conduct. Fruean allegedly took and sent full-frontal nude photos of a patient and sent them to her sister.

Yakima County

In January 2023 the secretary of health conditionally granted an agency affiliated counselor license to Samantha Nichole Deluna (CG61357810). Deluna accepted the conditions, which include probation for two years, professional supervision, and quarterly performance evaluations. In 2017 and 2018, Deluna was convicted of violating a no contact order-domestic violence, assault-domestic violence and no contact order-domestic violence violation, and bail jumping.

Out of State

Florida: In January 2023 the Nursing Commission and Bryan Patrick Camus, whose registered nurse credential has expired and advanced registered nurse practitioner license is inoperable (AP60806831-NP, RN60806830), agreed to an order that requires him to participate in a substance monitoring program. The Minnesota Board of Nursing entered a stipulation and consent order with Camus that suspended his nursing license but stayed the suspension with the stipulation that Camus sign a 36-month participation agreement with the Minnesota Health Professional Services program.