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OLYMPIA -- The Washington State Department of Health has taken disciplinary actions or withdrawn charges against the following health care providers in our state.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

King County

In February 2025 the Dental Quality Assurance Commission and dentist John Lee Starks (DE00005377) entered an agreed order. Starks must pay a $5,000 fine, reimburse $4,053.01 to the commission and submit a 2,000-word report about narcotics prescribing requirements and demonstrating knowledge of applicable requirements. For one year, Starks must also submit quarterly attestations that include the names of patients he prescribed opioids to. For one year, the commission will perform two audits to confirm Stark included all patients he prescribed opioids for. Starks failed to comply with a 2021 stipulation by failing to document that he advised several patients of opioid addiction.

In February 2025 the Examining Board of Psychology charged psychologist Stephanie Michelle Hart (PY60084609) with unprofessional conduct. Hart failed to comply with a 2023 stipulation by allegedly being discharged from the recovery and monitoring program.

Lewis County

In February 2025 the secretary of health charged registered nursing assistant Nicole Rose Christie (NA61376744) with unprofessional conduct. Alleged facts state that in November 2024, Christie pled guilty to third-degree assault of a child, a class C felony.

Pierce County

In February 2025 the secretary of health charged surgical technologist Mangesh D. Kode (ST00003291) with unprofessional conduct. In September 2023, Kode’s employer allegedly found vials of fentanyl, bupivacaine, and needles in his locker after co-workers observed Kode accessing a pharmaceutical waste bin in an operating room without authorization.

Spokane County

In February 2025 the secretary of health granted Zackery Allen Fields’ (CP61636110) substance use disorder professional license with conditions. The license is on probation until at least January 2026. During this time, Fields’ health care supervisor must submit quarterly performance evaluation reports. In March 2019, Fields was convicted of second-degree arson, a class B felony and two counts of third-degree retail theft, a class C felony.

In January 2025 the secretary of health terminated the probation on the substance use disorder professional trainee license of Veronica Rose Marie Tracy (CO61368860).

Thurston County

In February 2025 the secretary of health charged substance use disorder professional Leandra Dishan Calhoun (CO60907699) with unprofessional conduct. Alleged facts state that in June 2022, Calhoun’s vehicle was used in a drive-by shooting and high-speed chase. During a police interview, Calhoun allegedly met with a former patient who stole her car at gunpoint. Calhoun also appeared under the influence of narcotics during the interview. Calhoun has failed to respond to a letter of cooperation from March 2024.

Yakima County

In February 2025 the secretary of health charged registered nursing assistant Holly Ann Adkins (NA00144820) with unprofessional conduct. In December 2023, Adkins allegedly received and endorsed two money orders for $1,000 from a patient.

Out of State

Missouri: In February 2025 the secretary of health and independent clinical social worker Victoria H. Waddleton (LW00008548) entered an agreed order. Waddleton’s independent clinical social worker license is on probation for at least three years. During this time, Waddleton must pay a $1,000 fine, not engage in the solo practice as an independent clinical social worker, allow unannounced audits of at least 10 patient records, and pass an ethics course. Waddleton’s health care supervisor must also submit quarterly performance evaluation reports. In June 2017, Waddleton developed a romantic relationship with a patient.