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OLYMPIA -- The Washington State Department of Health has taken disciplinary actions or withdrawn charges against the following health care providers in our state.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

Adams County

In September 2023 the Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission released Corrina L. Gray (PH00041377) from the conditions on her pharmacist license.

Benton County

In September 2023 the secretary of health issued a cease-and-desist order to Torre J. Swenson (PC60359971). Swenson is ordered to permanently cease all practice of a medical assistant-phlebotomist. Swenson must also pay a $1,000 fine. In 2022 Swenson advertised phlebotomy services with an expired license.

Clallam County

In September 2023 the Agency Affiliated Counseling Program, Substance Use Disorder Professional Program, and Social Worker Program charged agency affiliated counselor, substance use disorder professional, and clinical social worker Stanley Joseph Atkins (LW61175792, CP60345498, CG60330901) with unprofessional conduct. Charges state that in April 2022, Atkins was terminated from his employment for unlawful sexual harassment in the workplace and unprofessional conduct including sending explicit text messages and sexual images to two coworkers.

Clark County

In September 2023 the Veterinary Board of Governors charged veterinarian Mark Joel Burton (VT00003045) with unprofessional conduct. Charges state that between 2011 and 2021, on multiple occasions, Burton administered and prescribed treatments to a dog that were contraindicated, or safer options were available. He also allegedly failed to explain the side effects of some of the treatments to the dog’s owner.

Cowlitz County

In September 2023 the Medical Assistant Program reinstated the certified medical assistant license of Michelle Nicole Luton (CM60442747) with conditions on the license. The license will be on probation for at least 12 months, during which time Luton’s employer must submit quarterly performance evaluation reports.

In September 2023 the secretary of health granted Megan Elizabeth Nguyen (CB61388975) a license to practice as a certified behavior technician with conditions on the license. The license is on probation for two years, during which time Nguyen must work under an approved supervisor that submits quarterly performance evaluation reports. In January 2022, Nguyen was convicted of disorderly conduct, a misdemeanor. In April of the same year, she was convicted of driving under the influence, a gross misdemeanor.

Franklin County

In September 2023 the secretary of health granted Nanci Marie Zepeda (CG61467304) a license to practice as an agency affiliated counselor with conditions on the license. The license is on probation for three years, during which time Zepeda must work under an approved supervisor that submits quarterly performance evaluation reports. In April 2023, Zepeda was convicted of hindering, a gross misdemeanor.

Island County

In August 2023 the secretary of health denied the home care aide application of Charity Ten Larson (HM61132465). In December 2018, Larson was convicted of reckless driving, a gross misdemeanor. In March 2020, Larson was in a car accident leading to three charges of reckless endangerment, gross misdemeanors. In April 2023, Larson failed to reply to a notice of required substance use evaluation.

King County

In September 2023 the Dental Quality Assurance Commission released John Lui (DE00007424) from the conditions on his dentist license.

In August 2023 the secretary of health denied the certified nursing assistant license of Peter Wasswa (NC61456016). In June 2023 the Nursing Assistant Registered Program entered a stipulation that placed terms and conditions on Wasswa’s license. Wasswa failed to respond to these conditions leading to the denial of the license.

In September 2023 the Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission amended charges of unprofessional conduct against pharmacist Brian Diaz (PH60267031). The amendment states that Diaz plead guilty to one count of possession of child pornography, a felony. Diaz was sentenced to 36 months of imprisonment, and other conditions.

In September 2023 the secretary of health denied the independent clinical social worker license of Alison Jane Williams (LW61362227). In July 2016, Williams was convicted of driving under the influence in the Superior Court of California. In June 2021, Williams was granted deferred prosecution of driving under the influence, a gross misdemeanor.

Lewis County

In August 2023 the secretary of health denied the agency affiliated counselor license of Angelique Monica Lane (CG61092462). In November 2022, Lane was convicted of second-degree unlawful possession of a firearm – conspiracy, a gross misdemeanor.

Pierce County

In September 2023 the Dental Quality Assurance Commission charged dental assistant Jasmine Lavina Naniloa Kananiokahome Caminos (D160575758) with unprofessional conduct. Charges state that in December 2022, Caminos used her employer’s credentials to prescribe a drug to her boyfriend.

Snohomish County

In August 2023 the secretary of health denied the home care aide application of Daniel Allen Spiewak (HM61046883). In June 2023, Spiewak failed to reply to a notice of required substance use evaluation. In February 2007, Spiewak’s licensed practical nurse license was suspended due to failure to comply with a 2005 Agreed Order after allegedly diverting medication.

In September 2023 the Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission charged certified pharmacy technician Jennifer Myngoc Waltman (VA60715403) with unprofessional conduct. In December 2021 and in February 2022, Waltman was terminated from her place of employment due to alleged diversion of Oxycodone medication.

Spokane County

In September 2023 the secretary of health granted Sarah Ihlene Farr (MR61456821) a license to practice as a registered medical assistant with conditions on the license. Farr must contact a monitoring program and participate if the program determines participation is required. In September 2022, Farr was charged with driving under the influence and reckless endangerment, both gross misdemeanors. Farr was convicted of driving under the influence in May 2017 and negligent driving in January 2012, both gross misdemeanors.