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OLYMPIA -- The Washington State Department of Health has taken disciplinary actions or withdrawn charges against the following health care providers in our state.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 October 2024 the Veterinary Board of Governors charged veterinary technician Kristina L. Ripplinger (AT00002113) with unprofessional conduct. From May 2018 to April 2023, Ripplinger allegedly embezzled $470,082.47 from her place of work.

In February 2025 the Occupational Therapy Practice Board released Krista M. Allison (OT00004090) from the terms and conditions on their occupational therapist license.

In March 2025 the Chiropractic Quality Assurance Commission terminated the probation on the chiropractor license of Russell S. Tagg (CH00002726).

Chelan County

In March 2025 the secretary of health released Stephanie A. Johanson (ST00003325) from the terms and conditions on their surgical technologist license.

Clark County

In March 2025 the secretary of health terminated the probation on the registered nursing assistant license of Patricia Ann Justo Cazares (NA60498718).

In February 2025 the secretary of health denied the pharmacy assistant license of Austin James Fierst (VB61621494). In November 2021, Fierst was convicted of reckless driving, a gross misdemeanor.

In March 2025 the secretary of health terminated the probation on the substance use disorder professional trainee license of April Rene Parent (CO61221382).

Cowlitz County

In March 2025 the secretary of health granted Sarah Emily Meacham’s (CG61576226, CO61550617) agency affiliated counselor and substance use disorder professional trainee licenses with conditions. The licenses are on probation for at least three years. During this time, Meacham’s health care supervisor must submit quarterly performance evaluation reports. In August 2024, Meacham was convicted of theft, a gross misdemeanor. In September 2023, Meacham was convicted of theft of a motor vehicle, a class B felony. In December 2022, Meacham was convicted of second-degree theft, a class C felony and possession of another’s identification, a gross misdemeanor. In October 2021, Meacham was convicted of two counts of second-degree burglary, a class B felony.

King County

In March 2025 the secretary of health charged mental health counselor and behavioral analyst Paul Robert Johnson (LH60550815, BA60763668) with unprofessional conduct. Alleged facts state that in April 2024, the Department of Health received a complaint about Johnson’s ability to practice as a licensed health care provider. Johnson has failed to provide information requested by the department.

In March 2025 the Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission terminated the probation on the pharmacist license of Jeremy GJ Li (PH61475366).

In March 2025 the secretary of health terminated the probation on the agency affiliated counselor and substance use disorder professional trainee licenses of Kimberly Marie Lux (CG61429118, CO61349240).

In February 2025 the Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission and pharmacist Zackary W. Beard (PH60028060) entered an agreed order. Beard’s pharmacist license is on probation, during which time he must enroll in a recovery assistance program. Between December 2021 and October 2022, Beard diverted controlled substances on multiple occasions.