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OLYMPIA -- The Washington State Department of Health has taken disciplinary actions or withdrawn charges against the following health care providers in our state.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

Benton County

In December 2024 the Occupational Therapy Practice Board and occupational therapist Krista M. Allison (OT00004090) entered an agreed order. Allison must pay a $3,000 fine and complete eight hours of continuing education in billing and documentation. From March 2023 to June 2023, Allison billed patients for services not provided.

Island County

In December 2024 the Veterinary Board of Governors charged veterinarian Eric E. Anderson (VT00002145) with unprofessional conduct. In April 2022, Anderson’s treatment of a patient allegedly fell below the standard of care when he failed to fully attend to a patient during a euthanasia procedure and performed a necropsy without confirming the patient was deceased. In March 2022, Anderson also allegedly treated another patient that fell below the standard of care by performing a survey without confirming the correct limb.

King County

In December 2024 the Examining Board of Psychology charged psychologist Steven R. Kubacki (PY00002316) with unprofessional conduct. Alleged facts state that Kubacki violated professional boundaries by sustaining multiple relationships with a client from July 2011 through April 2021 and having conduct that fell below the standard of care. Kubacki’s relationship with this client impaired his objectivity and reduced the quality of care, which harmed the client. Kubacki also exploited the client’s skills and labor for his own business interests.

In November 2024 the secretary of health withdrew the statement of charges against emergency medical technician Paul Germaine Pinkstaff (ES60583002).

In December 2024 the secretary of health charged mental health counselor Kristin Michelle Roberts (LH60874856) with unprofessional conduct. Alleged facts state that Roberts engaged in sexual intercourse with a client during a counseling session in summer 2023. Roberts continued to contact the client after terminating their professional relationship in August 2023.

Mason County

In November 2024 the secretary of health granted Crystal Gail Adams’ (HM61560717) a home care aide license with conditions. The license is on probation for at least two years. During this time, Adams must have their health care employer submit quarterly performance evaluation reports and complete an anger management course.

Pierce County

In December 2024 the secretary of health notified Jennifer Diana Ortiz (MA00020960) of its intent to issue a cease-and-desist order for practicing as a massage therapist with an expired license. From June 2020 to November 2023, Ortiz practiced massage therapy.

Skagit County

In December 2024 the secretary of health charged home care aide Emily Irene Felton (HM60984492) with unprofessional conduct. Alleged facts state that Felton was charged with driving under the influence, a gross misdemeanor in September 2019. In November 2019, Felton was also convicted of an amended charge of reckless driving, a gross misdemeanor. In March 2024, the department issued Felton a surgical technologist credential with a condition to enroll in a monitoring program.

In November 2024 the secretary of health charged medical assistant and medical assistant-hemodialysis technician Carlos Martin Toro (CM60363130, HT60457197) with unprofessional conduct. Alleged facts state that in October 2023, Toro engaged in sexual misconduct with a patient by making sexually suggestive comments and engaging in sexually demeaning behavior. Toro also grabbed the patient’s breast while performing an EKG.

Thurston County

In December 2024 the secretary of health terminated the probation on the agency affiliated counselor license of Ashley Renee Friend. (CG61198392).