For immediate release: August 12, 2024 (24-097)
Contact: DOH Communications
Public inquiries: Health Systems Customer Service 360-236-4700
OLYMPIA -- The Washington State Department of Health has revoked or suspended the licenses, certifications, or registrations of the following health care providers in our state. The department has also immediately suspended the credentials of people who have been prohibited from practicing in other states.
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’s 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 also encouraged to call and report their complaint.
Pierce County
In May 2024 the Dental Quality Assurance Commission indefinitely suspended the dental assistant license of Angela Marie Parker (D160036087). Prior to reinstatement, Parker must pay a $250 fine and submit a typewritten report of at least 1,500 words regarding the importance of health care providers registering with the Department of Health. In April 2023, Parker worked as a dental assistant with an expired license. In March 2024, Parker failed to respond to a statement of charges.
In June 2024 the secretary of health indefinitely suspended the certified nursing assistant license of Betty Jo Nelson (NC60135892). In April 2024, Nelson failed to comply with a 2022 order by failing to successfully complete an ethics exam.
Out of State
Louisiana: In July 2024 the Board of Nursing (formerly the Nursing Commission) summarily suspended the registered nurse and advanced registered nurse practitioner licenses of Melanie R. Baker (RN60716088, AP60744985-NP) pending further legal action. Amended charges state that in November 2023, the Louisiana Board of Nursing placed Baker’s advanced practice registered nurse license on probation based on findings that Baker failed to assess patients at an advanced level, failed to maintain complete records, prescribed highly addictive combinations of controlled substances to patients without any medical rationale, misdiagnosed patients suffering from mental health disorders, and had her DEA Certificate of Registration revoked by the DEA. In March 2024, the Alabama Board of Nursing indefinitely suspended Baker’s credential to practice as a registered nurse for unprofessional conduct of a character likely to deceive, defraud, or injure the public in matters pertaining to health, as a result of action by the Louisiana Board.
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