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OLYMPIA -- The Washington State Department of Health has taken disciplinary actions or withdrawn charges against the following health care providers in our state.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 secretary of health denied the agency affiliated counselor license application of Daniel Longhorn (CG61324352). Longhorn did not agree to conditions on the license. In 2019, he was convicted of possessing a stolen vehicle, theft, and seven counts of identity theft.

Chelan County

In February 2023 the secretary of health reinstated the registered nursing assistant license of Mirian Elizabeth Jimenez (NA60164300).

Clark County

In February 2023 the Nursing Commission charged registered nurse David Dougles Michael, also known as David Douglas Michael (RN60364730), with unprofessional conduct. In February 2020, Michael was convicted of criminal trespass— domestic violence. In June 2021, Michael was convicted of unlawful imprisonment— domestic violence, assault— domestic violence, and interference with reporting of domestic violence.

Grant County

In February 2023 the Nursing Commission charged Esther Rae Tuller (RN60318009), whose registered nurse license is currently suspended, with unprofessional conduct. In December 2021, Tuller admitted in a plea agreement that, while working at a clinic, she withdrew morphine from 17 vials and replaced it with saline solution. In July 2022, Tuller was convicted of tampering with consumer products.

Grays Harbor County

In January 2023 the secretary of health denied the agency affiliated counselor license application of Mary Lynn Jarzabek (CG61150159). In August 2022, the Department of Health suspended Jarzabek’s emergency medical technician credential in a default order.

King County

In February 2023 the Dental Commission charged dentist Steven M. Kim (DE00007445) with unprofessional conduct. As part of an earlier order, Kim agreed to unannounced infection control inspections, which he allegedly failed. Charges state that staff licenses were not displayed and visible to the public, office emergency, policy, and protocol trainings were not available, and records on when sterilization chemicals were mixed, used, or changed weren’t provided, among other problems.

In January 2023 the secretary of health denied the registered nursing assistant license application of Victoria K. Jones (NA61040936) because she did not agree to conditions on the credential. Jones’ dental assistant credential is currently suspended as a result of a default order.

In February 2023 the Nursing Commission conditionally granted a registered nurse license to Ashley Elizabeth Martella (RN61328462). Martella agreed to the conditions, which include participation in a substance use monitoring program, and Martella will be on probation until she completes a Commission-approved refresher class. In 2019, Martella’s license to practice nursing in Colorado was revoked under a finding that she diverted controlled substances.

In February 2023 the Unlicensed Practice Program notified Qingsheng Han of its intent to issue a cease-and-desist order. Between March and May 2022, Han worked as a massage therapist but does not hold a massage credential in Washington.

In January 2023 the secretary of health denied the registered medical assistant license application of Laurencetta Hawkins (MR61352531). Hawkins did not respond to an investigator’s request for information about multiple previous disciplinary actions against her licenses in Oregon and Washington, including the 2009 suspension of her licensed practical nurse credential in Washington.

In January 2023 the secretary of health conditionally granted a substance use disorder professional trainee license to Hailey Alexa Chillem (CO61373355). Chillem agreed to the conditions, which include at least three years’ probation, professional supervision, and quarterly performance reports. In 2020, Chillem was convicted of theft and driving under the influence. In 2021, Chillem was convicted of driving under the influence and driving while his license was suspended.

Pierce County

In January 2023 the secretary of health denied the certified behavior technician license application of Andrew Dreessen (CB61363522) because he did not agree to conditions on the license. In 2021, the Department of Health suspended Dreessen’s licensed practical nurse credential in a default order.

Snohomish County

In February 2023 the secretary of health ended conditions on the home care aide license of Heidi Marie Peterson (HM61042338).

Spokane County

In January 2023 the Pharmacy Commission denied the pharmacy assistant application of Jamie L. Sneddon (VB61370076). In 2004, Sneddon was convicted of rape and sodomy in Missouri Circuit Court.

In January 2023 the secretary of health conditionally granted a medical assistant-phlebotomist license to Brody River Decubber (PC61349369). Decubber agreed to the conditions, which include providing a copy of the agreed order to current and future health care employers for two years and quarterly performance evaluations. In April 2022, he was convicted of theft.

Thurston County

In January 2023 the Pharmacy Commission ended probation on the pharmacy assistant license of Elizabeth Mae Ingersoll (VB61063131).

Out of State

Florida: In February 2023 the Nursing Commission charged Kevin Lee McLeod (RN60829928), whose registered nurse credential is expired, with unprofessional conduct. In March 2022, McLeod was convicted of injury to a child, elder individual, or disabled individual with intent of bodily injury in the 21st District Court, Burleson County, Texas.

Idaho: In January 2023 the secretary of health denied the medical assistant phlebotomist license application of Kirsten Elizabeth May (PC61273897). May did not agree to conditions on the license. In 2021, she was convicted of driving under the influence in Idaho and in 2022 of driving while intoxicated in Texas.