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OLYMPIA -- The Washington State Department of Health has taken disciplinary actions or withdrawn charges against the following health care providers in our state.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 May 2023 the secretary of health denied the certified nursing assistant credential of Curran E Fine (NC61336556). In June 2019 in Oregon, and in May 2021 in Washington, Fine was convicted of driving under the influence. Fine did not submit a substance use evaluation report to the Department of Health when requested.

Ferry County

In May 2023 the secretary of health denied the agency affiliated counselor license of Cassandra Nichole Hilderbrant (CG61308465). In July 2017, Hilderbrant was convicted of bail jumping, and in July 2018 of third-degree theft. Hilderbrant did not respond to a request for conditions on the license.

Grays Harbor

In May 2023 the secretary of health denied the substance use disorder professional trainee license of Felicia Lynn Nieto (CO61378035). In May 2019, Nieto was convicted of possession with intent to deliver cocaine and methamphetamines, both felonies. In August 2022, Nieto was convicted of second-degree identity theft and possession of stolen property, both felonies. Nieto did not respond to a request for conditions on the license.

King County

In May 2023 the Unlicensed Practice Program notified Fei Li of its intent to issue a cease-and-desist order. In October 2022, Li agreed to massage a Department of Health investigator in exchange for payment. Li does not and has never held a credential to practice as a massage therapist in the state of Washington.

In April 2023 the Dental Commission withdrew charges of unprofessional conduct against dentist Neville W Richter (DE00005047).

In April 2023 the secretary of health issued a cease-and-desist order to Qingsheng Han. Han must permanently cease and desist from engaging in massage therapy in the state of Washington unless they first obtain appropriate licensure and pay a $1,000 fine.

In May 2023 the Unlicensed Practice Program notified Dongliang Lu of its intent to issue a cease-and-desist order. In January 2022, Lu practiced massage therapy at a business. Lu does not and has never held a massage therapy credential in the state of Washington.

In May 2023 the secretary of health and Samantha Lynn McNeff (XT61407699) agreed to conditions on her X-ray technician license. Conditions are that she must continue to comply with a probationary order from January 2023 that places her on probationary supervision for one year during which her supervisor must submit quarterly performance evaluations. In 2021, when working as a certified medical assistant, McNeff inappropriately accessed a patient’s medical information.

Kittitas County

In May 2023 the Nursing Commission and Lysa Rue Hulderson (RN00133842) agreed to probationary conditions on her registered nurse license. Hulderson’s credential is currently expired. The conditions of the probation require that Hulderson complete a refresher course and continue to comply with a substance use monitoring program.

Pend Oreille County

In May 2023 the Dental Commission withdrew charges of unprofessional conduct against dentist James Gary Cool (DE00005239).

Pierce County

In May 2023 the Pharmacy Commission denied the pharmacy assistant credential of Megan LaRay Colton (VB61365587). In April 2014, Colton was convicted of fourth-degree assault and driving under the influence. In October 2018, Colton was convicted of reckless driving. Colton did not respond to a request for conditions on the license.

Stevens County

In May 2023 the Nursing Commission and registered nurse Chad McLain (RN60736025) agreed to a reprimand on his credential. McLain must pay a $500 fine. In June 2022, while working on a unit with positive COVID-19 cases, McLain cut slits into the side of his N95 mask.

Thurston County

In May 2023 the secretary of health and Nikki Kae Scott (NC60076908, NA61365970) agreed to conditions on her certified nursing assistant and registered nursing assistant licenses. Conditions require that Scott participate in a substance use monitoring program’s intake process and enroll if required by the program.

Walla Walla County

In May 2023 secretary of health and Stone Lee Plantenberg (CG61373731) agreed to conditions on his agency affiliated counselor license. Plantenberg agrees to probation of three years under a program-approved supervisor and quarterly performance reports.

Whitman County

In May 2023 the Nursing Commission lifted the summary suspension of the registered nurse license of Stephanie R Koski, also known as Stephanie R Loomis (RN00146564). Koski agreed to the condition that she contacts and actively participates in the intake process of a substance use monitoring program within 10 days of this order. In June 2022, the California Board of Registered Nursing revoked Koski’s registered nursing license, finding she diverted a controlled substance, used a controlled substance without a prescription, and made incorrect, inconsistent, or unintelligible entries in hospital, patient, or other records related to a controlled substance.

Yakima County

In May 2023 the secretary of health and Mireya Hernandez (CO61399930) agreed to conditions on her substance use disorder professional trainee license. Hernandez agrees to probation of two years under a program-approved supervisor and quarterly performance reports.

Out of State

Oregon: In May 2023 the Nursing Commission and Laura Helen Burnett (RN60333645, AP60337128-NP) agreed to the conditional reinstatement of her registered nurse and advanced registered nurse practitioner licenses. Burnett must submit six quarterly performance reports and complete training in the area of maintaining boundaries.

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.