State disciplines health care providers

For immediate release: November 30, 2023   (23-154)

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OLYMPIA -- The Washington State Department of Health has taken disciplinary actions or withdrawn charges against the following health care providers in our state.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

Adams County

In June 2023 the secretary of health denied the home care aide license application of Patrick Mworia Kiome (HM61337562). Between August and October 2022, Kiome touched two patients in a sexual manner.

Clallam County

In August 2023 the secretary of health terminated the probation on the agency affiliated counselor license of Cade Gray Hendricks (CG61146493).

In October 2023 the Unlicensed Practice Program notified chiropractor Frank Henry Springob (CH00001149) of its intent to issue a cease-and-desist order. Charges state that since at least 2017, Springob used the Morphogenic Field Technique with clients while his license was suspended.

King County

In October 2023 the secretary of health ended the probation on the substance use disorder professional trainee license of Elizabeth Mae Giberson (CO61168008).

In October 2023 the Board of Nursing (formerly the Nursing Commission) granted Rachel Lauren Howard (RN61417391) a license to practice as a registered nurse with conditions on the license. Howard must participate in a monitoring program. In August 2020, Howard was arrested on charges of driving under the influence, a gross misdemeanor, and hit and run-unattended vehicle, a misdemeanor. In July 2021, Howard entered into an order which required she comply with a mental health treatment plan and abstain from alcohol and mind-altering drugs.

In October 2023 the secretary of health granted Katlin Marie Kellow (MC61339119) a license to practice as a mental health counselor associate with conditions on the license. Kellow must contact a monitoring program and, if required, enroll in the monitoring program. Kellow must also continue to comply with a 2022 agreement to practice with conditions.

Okanogan County

In October 2023 the secretary of health reinstated the certified nursing assistant license of Amy J. Bertram (NC10094689).

Pierce County

In October 2023 the Nursing Assistant Program and the Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission reinstated the certified nursing assistant and pharmacy technician licenses of David O. Clarke-Levy (NC10041523, VA00047141) with conditions on the licenses. Both licenses are on probation for at least two years during which time his employer must submit quarterly performance evaluation reports. Clarke-Levy must also undergo a psychological evaluation in connection with reinstatement of his pharmacy technician credential. In August 2022, Clarke-Levy was convicted of unlawful carrying or handling weapons capable of producing bodily harm.

Pacific County

In October 2023 the secretary of health granted Stephanie Lynn Engibous (CG61452067) a license to practice as an agency affiliated counselor with conditions on the license. The license will be on probation for four years, during which time Engibous must work under an approved supervisor who submits quarterly performance evaluation reports. In February 2018, Engibous was convicted of second-degree trafficking in stolen property, a class C felony.

Skagit County

In September 2023 the secretary of health denied the substance use disorder professional trainee license application of Mary Garcia (CO61214463). In June 2023, Garcia entered a stipulation to informal disposition that placed her agency affiliated counselor license on probation with conditions for two years.

Snohomish County

In August 2023 the secretary of health denied the home care aid license application of Fnu Tabasom (HM61386129). Tabasom failed to respond to a letter requesting an explanation of a complaint of financial exploitation of a vulnerable adult filed against him in January 2023.

Spokane County

In October 2023 the secretary of health granted Ryan Forrest Pooler (DO61429897) a license to practice as a dispensing optician with conditions on the license. Pooler must contact and enroll in a monitoring program. In October 2022, Pooler was convicted of fourth-degree assault– domestic violence and unlawful display of a weapon, both gross misdemeanors.

Thurston County

In August 2023 the secretary of health denied the home care aid license application of Jennifer Danielle Zipoy (HM61272220). In February 2023, Zipoy was placed on a Department of Social and Health Services list as a person disqualified from caring for vulnerable adults, juveniles, and children after being found to have financially exploited a vulnerable adult.

In September 2023 the Medical Assistant Program dismissed the amended statement of charges against medical assistant-phlebotomist Erin Elizabeth Blair (PC61177084).

Out of State

Alabama: In October 2023 the Board of Nursing (formerly the Nursing Commission) granted Natashia Patrice Rhodie (LP61302927) a license to practice as a licensed practical nurse with conditions on the license. Rhodie may not practice as a nurse except as part of a pre-approved refresher course. The license is subject to probation and other conditions upon completion of a refresher course. In February 2019, Rhodie voluntarily surrendered her nursing license in Alabama as a result of her failure to notify the Alabama Board of Nursing of an arrest for larceny and credit card fraud.

Idaho: In October 2023 the Board of Physical Therapy charged physical therapist Jerald Richard Olsen (PT60194827) with unprofessional conduct. In July 2019, Olsen and the Idaho Physical Therapy Licensure Board entered a stipulation and consent order. As part of the order, Olsen allegedly admitted to sexual contact with a patient and in June 2019 he plead guilty to sexual battery and battery, both misdemeanors. In August 2019, the Idaho Board suspended Olsen’s license and placed other terms and conditions on the license if it is reinstated.

Massachusetts: In October 2023 the Board of Nursing (formerly the Nursing Commission) charged registered nurse Kharima Jolanda Muir (RN61261404) with unprofessional conduct. Between April and May 2022, Muir allegedly submitted timecards to her employer for shifts that she did not work.

Ohio: In October 2023 the Board of Nursing (formerly the Nursing Commission) charged licensed practical nurse Margueree Clements (LP61273268) with unprofessional conduct. In March 2023, the Ohio State Board of Nursing entered an order that placed Clements’ licensed practical nurse license on probation for one year with terms and conditions that included a mental health evaluation.

Oregon: In August 2023 the secretary of health denied the home care aid license application of Jacob Leroy Tucker (HM61141906). In July 2019, Tucker entered a stipulation to informal disposition in which his license was surrendered due to a sexual misconduct allegation.

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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