For immediate release: February 26, 2025 (25-028)
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OLYMPIA -- The Washington State Department of Health has taken disciplinary actions or withdrawn charges against the following health care providers in our state.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.
Douglas County
In January 2025 the secretary of health terminated the probation on the substance use disorder professional trainee license of Heather Marie Monroe (CO61315536).
King County
In January 2025 the secretary of health terminated the probation on the agency affiliated counselor license of Therese Louise Paxton (CG61349337).
In January 2025 the Dental Quality Assurance Commission charged dentist John Brewster Bede (DE00005217) with unprofessional conduct. Bede allegedly failed to document the informed consent discussion for a patient’s dental treatment.
In December 2024 the secretary of health ordered that the certified medical assistant license of Deana Lee Martinson (CM60364774) be placed on probation for one year. During this time, Martinson’s health care employer must submit quarterly performance evaluation reports. Martinson must also complete four hours of continuing education in ethics and pay a $250 fine. In July 2022, Martinson accessed a patient’s discharge information without a job-related reason and shared this information with a coworker.
Pierce County
In January 2025 the secretary of health released Megan Renae Cass (NC61294122, PC61494572) from the terms and conditions on her certified nursing assistant and medical assistant-phlebotomist licenses.
Thurston County
In January 2025 the secretary of health terminated the probation on the agency affiliated counselor license of Celeste Dawn Jones (CG61350092).
In January 2025 the secretary of health terminated the probation on the substance use disorder professional trainee license of Molly Jean Wolf (CO61362642).
Out of State
California: In January 2025 the secretary of health reinstated Hong Juan Zhang’s (MA60209722) license to practice as a massage therapist with conditions. The license is on probation for at least one year, during which time Zhang’s health care employer must submit quarterly performance evaluation reports. Zhang must also allow unannounced audits of at least five patient records.
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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