For immediate release: February 24, 2025 (25-026)
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OLYMPIA -- The Washington State Department of Health has taken disciplinary actions or withdrawn charges against the following health care providers in our state.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.
Grant County
In November 2024 the secretary of health denied the registered nursing assistant license of Denise Lea Andersen (NA61465209). In June 2024, Andersen was terminated from their place of employment for theft of a controlled substance. In August 2024, Andersen’s pharmacy technician credential was surrendered.
Grays Harbor County
In January 2025 the secretary of health charged home care aide Barbara Ann Daly (HM61039508) with unprofessional conduct. Alleged facts state that Daly has not complied with conditions in a 2024 stipulation. Daly tested positive for alcohol three times from March 2024 to June 2024.
King County
In December 2024 the Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission terminated the probation on the pharmacist license of Long Hoang Ho (PH61222704).
Pierce County
In January 2025 the secretary of health charged marriage and family therapist associate Yuexiang Ling (MG61432088) with unprofessional conduct. Alleged facts state that Ling was charged with two counts of first-degree dealing in depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct, a class B felony. He was also charged with two counts of first-degree possession of depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct, a class B felony.
In January 2025 the secretary of health charged registered nursing assistant Agnes Wambui Wanjiku (NA60206566) with unprofessional conduct. In January 2024, Wanjiku allegedly informed her prior employer about a potentially contagious medical infection after being terminated for missing her scheduled shifts and failing to follow attendance policy. Wanjiku has failed to respond to a letter of cooperation from June 2024.
Snohomish County
In January 2025 the secretary of health ordered Robert Bradley Simkins (MC60161783) to cease and desist from practicing counseling until he obtains an appropriate license or meets an exemption. Simkins must also pay a $1,000 fine. From 2021 to 2023, Simkins provided telehealth counseling with a suspended license.
Spokane County
In January 2025 the secretary of health and massage therapist Rachel L. Besenyody (MA00020855) entered an agreed order. Besenyody must enroll in a recovery and monitoring program. In August 2023, Besenyody tested positive for marijuana and Ambien after being lethargic and disoriented during a treatment session. In October 2023, Besenyody was found passed out by a client after consuming alcohol. In February 2024, Besenyody pled guilty to driving under the influence, a gross misdemeanor.
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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