State disciplines health care providers

For immediate release: April 28, 2023   (23-055)

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OLYMPIA -- The Washington State Department of Health has taken disciplinary actions or withdrawn charges against the following health care providers in our state.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 “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 April 2023 the Department of Health dismissed charges of unprofessional conduct against paramedic Jordan Ralph Strong (ES60966035).

Clark County

In April 2023 the Nursing Commission charged licensed practical nurse Michael Ray McCarter (LP60832138) with unprofessional conduct. Charges state that in August 2022, McCarter surrendered his license in Oregon after alleged inappropriate behavior toward co-workers.

Douglas County

In March 2023 the Pharmacy Commission ended the conditions on the pharmacist license of Geoffrey W Reynolds (PH00017863).

King County

In March 2023 the secretary of health ended the probation on the massage therapist license of Dawn Michelle Catlow (MA00014617).

In April 2023 the Chiropractic Commission amended a statement of charges against Robert Ulrich (CH00033882) whose chiropractor license was summarily suspended in August 2022. Ulrich was charged with possession and dealing of depictions of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct, both class B felonies, and attempted viewing of depictions of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct, a gross misdemeanor. Ulrich has since pleaded guilty.

In February 2023 the Dental Commission ended the conditions on the dentist license of Ronald A Sebastian (DE00010444).

In April 2023 the secretary of health ended the conditions on the certified medical assistant license of Sharon Linda Nakazzibwe (CM60967376).

In March 2023 the Pharmacy Commission ended the conditions on the pharmacist license of Conor Kenneth Sheehy (PH60560656).

Kitsap County

In March 2023 the Counselor Program charged agency affiliated counselor Elyse L Watson (CG61144320) with unprofessional conduct. Charges state that in August 2022, Watson entered a romantic and physical relationship with a recently discharged patient.

Snohomish County

In February 2023 the Examining Board of Psychology denied the psychologist license of Keever K Czlapinski (PY61065423). Czlapinski’s license in Colorado had been revoked in 2021, and in Arizona in 2022.

In April 2023 the Pharmacy Commission ended conditions on the pharmacy assistant license of Joshua Jeffrey Miller (VB61226334).

Spokane County

In March 2023 the Veterinary Board of Governors charged veterinarian Kendall L Cypert (VT00003858) with unprofessional conduct. Charges state that in August 2019, Cypert provided grossly insufficient care to a cat and ultimately euthanatized it without indication that he examined, diagnosed, treated or provided supportive care prior to euthanasia, among other allegations.

In April 2023 the Nursing Commission ended the conditions on the registered nurse license of Mavis Cherie Dahl (RN61107930).

In April 2023 the Nursing Assistant Program charged registered nursing assistant Michael John Guzowski (NA00186113) with unprofessional conduct. Guzowski allegedly used the debit card of a former co-worker without her consent.

Thurston County

In March 2023 the Examining Board of Psychology charged psychologist Gregory L Williams (PY00002410) with unprofessional conduct. Charges state that in March 2022, Williams allegedly failed to provide a patient’s treatment records to them and their attorney. Williams has since not responded to numerous Psychology Board and Department of Health attempts to address this allegation.

Yakima County

In April 2023 the Nursing Commission ended the probation on the advanced registered nurse practitioner license of Leslie Jean Hansen (AP60570002-NP).

Out of State

Alabama: In March 2023 the Nursing Commission denied the licensed practical nurse license application of Natashia Patrice Rhodie (LP61302927). In March 2021, Rhodie’s application for licensure in Alabama was denied based on fraud and deceit to the Alabama and Texas Boards of Nursing.

Alaska: In March 2023 the Nursing Commission denied the registered nurse license application of Sara Jean Massmann (RN61312388). In June 2020, the Minnesota Board of Nursing indefinitely suspended her nursing license.

Idaho: In April 2023 the Pharmacy Commission charged pharmacist Jill Dawn James (PH60462795) with unprofessional conduct. James’ pharmacist license in Idaho had been revoked in 2018, and then in Colorado in 2019.

Oregon: In March 2023 the Nursing Commission denied the registered nurse license application of Rhonda Lee Van Ness (RN61296079). In September 2021, Van Ness was convicted of harassment and contempt of court.

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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