State disciplines health care providers

For immediate release: December 26, 2017  (17-175)

Contact:  Sharon Moysiuk, Strategic Communications Office  360-549-6471
Public inquiries: Health Systems Customer Service  360-236-4700

State disciplines health care providers                       

OLYMPIA -- The Washington State Department of Health has taken disciplinary actions or withdrawn charges against health care providers in our state.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., medical doctors, nurses, counselors).

Information about health care providers is on the agency website. Click on “Look up a health care provider license” in the “How Do I?” 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.

Clark County

In December 2017 the Ambulatory Surgery Facilities Program entered an agreement with Salmon Creek Plastic Surgery (FS60101710) that modifies its license to operate as an ambulatory surgical facility until it meets certain terms and conditions, including passing two announced inspections before September 2018. Salmon Creek must pay a $23,000 civil penalty, as well as $6,000 for inspection costs. Inspections in 2013, 2015, and 2017 identified a variety of deficiencies at the facility. Some deficiencies identified in 2017 were repeat findings.

Grant County

In December 2017 the Counselor Program reinstated the agency-affiliated counselor credential of Aaron S. Glenn (CG60168506) and placed him on probation for at least three years. Glenn’s license was suspended in 2013 in connection with actions involving a suicidal patient.

King County

In December 2017 the secretary of health ended probation for mental health counselor Sarah G. Kim (LH00007708).

In December 2017 the In-Home Services Program entered an agreement with in-home services agency Home Care Masters LLC (FS60658930), and operators Mulenga Makungu, also known as Sabbath Makungu, and Gideon Simukonda, that levies a $1,000 fine. An inspection revealed a variety of employee-related deficiencies. The company didn’t submit a correction plan in a timely manner.

In December 2017 the Massage Therapist Program charged massage therapist James Michael Pesta (MA60183662) with unprofessional conduct. Pesta allegedly touched a patient’s genitals during a massage.

In December 2017 the Medical Commission withdrew a statement of charges against physician Stephen G. Phillips (MD00023939).

In August 2017 the Massage Therapist Program entered an agreement with massage therapist Suzan Marie Jon Douglass (MA00025267) that fines her $250. Douglass didn’t supply proof of having completed required continuing education.

Snohomish County

In December 2017 the Medical Assistant Program charged medical assistant Angelique Lopez Cuellar (CM60405882) with unprofessional conduct. Cuellar allegedly didn’t comply with a requirement to undergo an evaluation for a substance abuse monitoring program.

In December 2017 the Chiropractic Commission charged chiropractor Malik Bjsingh Prihar (CH00034750) with unprofessional conduct. Charges say Prihar didn’t examine or test a patient’s shoulder, or didn’t document it. He allegedly provided unnecessary treatment, ordered a needless back brace, billed the patient’s insurance for the brace some two months after the patient ended treatment, and provided altered chart notes to the patient’s insurance company.

Spokane County

In December 2017 the Unlicensed Practice Program notified Bambi Williams of its intent to issue a cease-and-desist order. Williams allegedly advertised as a massage practitioner despite having no massage practitioner license.

Thurston County

In December 2017 the Nursing Commission charged licensed practical nurse David Jay Boiselle (LP00047151) with unprofessional conduct. Boiselle’s nurse license was suspended in 2001. In 2003 Boiselle was convicted of fourth-degree assault. In 2003 his massage practitioner license was revoked. In 2004 his paramedic license was revoked.