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OLYMPIA -- The Washington State Department of Health has taken disciplinary actions or withdrawn charges against the following health care providers in our state.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

Clark County

In October 2024 the secretary of health granted Eric Michael Lohn-Thomas's (CO61575702) substance use disorder professional trainee license and immediately placed it on probation until at least May 2026.

In October 2024 the Nursing Assistant Program charged registered nursing assistant Wendy Amelia Kurinzi (NA61509754) with unprofessional conduct. In January 2024, Kurinzi allegedly was impaired while caring for a client and later admitted to being under the influence of alcohol during her shift.

Cowlitz County

In October 2024 the Agency Affiliated Counselor Program charged agency affiliated counselor Nicole LaRay Grochow (CG61011099) with unprofessional conduct. While working at a behavioral treatment facility in 2021and 2022, Grochow allegedly violated multiple client boundaries including improper transportation, home visits, inappropriate relationships, and unauthorized disclosure of confidential information.

King County

In October 2024 the secretary of health terminated the probation on the massage therapist license of Xing Yu Chen (MA60115256).

In October 2024 the Chiropractic Quality Assurance Commission withdrew the charges against chiropractor Raymon Kooner (CH00034656).

In October 2024 the Dental Quality Assurance Commission charged dentist Sara Sobhani (DE61167362) with unprofessional conduct. Between January and April 2022, Sobhani allegedly showed a pattern of inadequate post-surgical care for multiple patients. Patient records were also allegedly incomplete.

In August 2024 the secretary of health denied Simon K. Thiongo's (NC61552534) certified nursing assistant license.

Pierce County

In October 2024 the Agency Affiliated Counselor Program and agency affiliated counselor Adriene B. Casteele (CG60294676) agreed to conditions that place her license on probation for at least 18 months.

Spokane County

In October 2024 the Unlicensed Practice Program notified Lijia Cai of its intent to issue a cease-and-desist order for practicing massage without a Washington state license.

In November 2023 the secretary of health denied Natasha Dvorak's (HM61430306) application to be a home care aide. While working overnight, a client died after Dvorak failed to respond to an alarm. She also failed to complete the required licensing documentation.

In October 2024 the secretary of health granted Mitchell Allen Eggett's (CP61602762) substance use disorder professional license and immediately placed it on probation until at least April 2025.

In October 2024 the Agency Affiliated Counselor Program, Substance Use Disorder Program, and Medical Assistant Program charged Schaidaa LaFawn Hickson (CG61331788, CO61328383, CM61204931) with unprofessional conduct. Around March 2024, Hickson tested positive for controlled substances on a pre-employment drug screening and has failed to respond to DOH’s investigation.

In October 2024 the secretary of health granted Andrew Joseph Miller’s (CO61569112) substance use disorder professional trainee license and immediately placed it on probation until at least August 2025.