For immediate release: May 8, 2025 (25-067)
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OLYMPIA -- The Washington State Department of Health has taken disciplinary actions or withdrawn charges against the following health care providers in our state.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.
Chelan County
In April 2025 the Department of Health issued a cease-and-desist order against Sarah Tuck for practicing midwifery without a license. Tuck, who is not licensed in Washington state, allegedly provided prenatal care, misrepresented her credentials, and failed to refer a patient for medical care when complications arose.
Cowlitz County
In April 2025 the Department of Health charged certified nursing assistant Amanda Kay McCoy (NC10097306) with unprofessional conduct. In February 2024, McCoy allegedly experienced a substance use medical emergency while working for a home health agency.
Franklin County
In February 2025 the Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission granted the request of pharmacy technician and pharmacy assistant Alexandra Urbina (VB60591319, VA60655176) to reinstate her credentials. Urbina was placed on at least two years’ probation and must meet specific terms, including employer notifications and quarterly performance evaluations. Failure to comply with the agreement may result in further disciplinary action.
King County
In April 2025 the Dental Quality Assurance Commission and dentist Yuriy V. Bagdasarov (DE00008641) entered an agreed order. A 2023 site inspection of Bagdasarov’s found several infection control violations, including improperly stored or unlabeled instruments, outdated safety training materials, and missing signage. Bagdasarov must pay a fine, reimburse costs, and may be subject to compliance audits for up to three years.
In April 2025 the Board of Physical Therapy released physical therapist Judy L. Galambos (PT00009661) from the terms of a 2022 agreed order after determining Galambos had substantially complied with its conditions.
In April 2025 the Department of Health charged registered nursing assistant Joey James Ruo (NA60710566) with unprofessional conduct. Ruo allegedly failed to disclose a prior deferred prosecution on a credential application and did not respond to an April 2024 investigator’s request for explanation.
Pierce County
In April 2025 the Department of Health terminated the probation on Kamaria Lorane Benge’s agency affiliated counselor license (CG61221328).
In April 2025 the Department of Health terminated the probation on Bryan David Jeffers-Atkins’s substance use disorder professional, agency affiliated counselor, and certified counselor licenses (CP00006148, CG60277350, CL60284014).
Spokane County
In April 2025 the Department of Health charged agency affiliated counselor Lydia Catherine Cicarelli (CG61227010) with unprofessional conduct. Cicarelli allegedly failed to comply with the terms of a 2023 stipulation requiring her to enroll in a monitoring program, sign a five-year contract, and participate in required testing.
Thurston County
In April 2025 the Department of Health released agency affiliated counselor Mauricio Matias Retambay (CG61497618) from the terms of a 2025 agreement after determining he had substantially complied with all conditions.
In April 2025 the Department of Health terminated the probation on Betianne Sara Townshend’s (CG61244635) agency affiliated counselor license.
Whatcom County
In April 2025 the Department of Health charged marriage and family therapist Laura Beth Winds (LF00001401) with unprofessional conduct. In 2018, Winds allegedly invited a former client to her home crossing professional boundaries. Winds also failed to retain the client’s treatment records for the required period.
Yakima County
In April 2025 the Department of Health terminated the probation on Miguel Angel Bautista’s (CP61523175) substance use disorder professional license.
Out of State
Oregon: In April 2025 the Department of Health charged agency affiliated counselor and independent clinical associate social worker Miriam Alessandra-Faye Gerges (CG60940713, SC61114719) with unprofessional conduct. Gerges admitted visiting a former client’s home in June 2023, providing alcohol, and engaging in a personal relationship that violated professional boundaries. The client later reported concerns about impaired judgment and consent.
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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