For immediate release: January 15, 2025 (25-010)
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OLYMPIA -- The Washington State Department of Health has taken disciplinary actions or withdrawn charges against the following health care providers in our state.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 November 2024 the Occupational Therapy Practice Board charged occupational therapist Krista M. Allison (OT00004090) with unprofessional conduct. Between March and June 2023, while working for a home health agency, Allison billed several patients for services not provided.
Chelan County
In November 2024 the secretary of health terminated the probation on the agency affiliated counselor license of Makenzi Korinne Spears (CG61322032).
Cowlitz County
In November 2024 the secretary of health granted Kendra Nicole Disspain's (CO61589685) substance use disorder professional trainee license with conditions. The license is on probation for at least one year.
King County
In November 2024 the secretary of health ordered Maria Estevez to cease and desist from practicing unlicensed massage therapy and pay a $1,000 fine. Estevez, who has never held a massage therapy license, performed services at her business requiring a license.
In November 2024 the Dental Quality Assurance Commission released dentist Prabhjot S. Sidhu (DE00010707) from the terms and conditions of their 2021 agreed order and terminated oversight and monitoring of their compliance.
In November 2024 the Dental Quality Assurance Commission charged dentist Joseph R. Zimmer (DE00006267) with unprofessional conduct. A February 2024 inspection revealed multiple infection control violations, including inconsistent autoclave testing, failure to perform required waterline testing, and missing infection control signage.
Pierce County
In November 2024 the Chiropractic Quality Assurance Commission charged chiropractor Asa Nels Hansen (CH60127381) with unprofessional conduct. In March 2023, Hansen was convicted of multiple felonies involving minors, including two counts of third-degree rape of a child, two counts of third-degree child molestation, and communication with a minor for immoral purposes.
Snohomish County
In October 2024 the Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission denied Tessa June Balderas (VB61508297) a pharmacy assistant license.
In November 2024 the secretary of health ordered Jeffrey Johnson to permanently cease and desist from practicing marriage and family therapy without a license. Between March and May 2023, Johnson, who has never held a license in Washington state, fraudulently used another therapist's credential to practice therapy online.
Spokane County
In November 2024 the secretary of health notified Robert Carnell of its intent to issue a cease-and-desist order for practicing as a denturist without a license. During a February 2024 visit, Carnell admitted to making and repairing dentures without a license.
In November 2024 the Board of Physical Therapy charged physical therapist Aimee J. Wallace (PT00008674) with unprofessional conduct. In April 2023, Wallace allegedly was found to be under the influence of alcohol while on duty.
Thurston County
In November 2024 the Dental Quality Assurance Commission withdrew the statement of charges against dentist Austin R. Smith (DE00006935).
Whatcom County
In November 2024 the Home Care Aide Program charged home care aide Kayla Nichole Wright (HM60863415) with unprofessional conduct. In 2022, Wright allegedly worked while under the influence of alcohol. Wright has failed to cooperate with DOH’s investigation.
Yakima County
In November 2024 the Nursing Assistant Program charged registered nursing assistant Mercedes Ambrielle Boyakin (NA61189931) with unprofessional conduct. Between May 2023 and January 2024, she accepted two payments totaling $2,000 from a patient for personal use. During an Adult Protective Services investigation, she admitted to accepting these payments.
Out of State
New York: In November 2024 the Unlicensed Practice Program and Stacey Klein entered an agreed order requiring Klein to cease and desist from practicing social work without a license. Klein, who says she has a license to practice clinical social work in New York and California but has never held a Washington state license, provided telehealth psychotherapy to a Washington client from 2020 to 2023.
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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