For immediate release: March 9, 2022 (22-035)
Contact: Sharon Moysiuk, Communications, 360-549-6471
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 “Look up a health care provider license” in the “How Do I?” section of the Department of Health home page (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.
Clark County
In January 2022 the secretary of health suspended the certified nursing assistant license of Akberet M. Tekle (NC10083574) pending further legal action after the Department of Social and Health Services determined that he neglected a vulnerable adult.
Okanogan County
In January 2022 the Nursing Commission suspended the credential of licensed practical nurse Luke Aaron Richter (LP60702263) for sleeping while on duty, charting that he had changed the dressing of a patient’s wound when he had not, and documenting that he could not administer a medication because it was on order and not available at the facility when it was available at the facility.
Pierce County
In January 2022 the Pharmacy Commission and Kasandra A. Oliver (VA60408886) agreed to the suspension of her pharmacy technician license. Between May 2020 and November 2020, Oliver diverted about 400 tablets of controlled substances from the pharmacy where she worked.
Skagit County
In January 2022 the secretary of health suspended the certified medical assistant license of Sheng Yi Tan (CM60590574). In 2020 Tan was charged with computer trespass, extortion, and cyberstalking patients at the health care facility where he worked.
Snohomish County
In January 2022 the secretary of health suspended the substance use disorder professional trainee license of Katherine Irene Brittain (CO61050179) for failing to cooperate with an investigation.
In January 2022 the secretary of health suspended the massage therapist license of Lisa R. Quinto, also known as Lisa Galvez (MA00015070), for at least four years. Quinto submitted insurance claims stating she provided massage services when other therapists provided the services, resulting in an insurer’s overpayment of about $40,000. She also submitted unsigned charts in support of claims during an audit.
Spokane County
In January 2022 the Nursing Commission suspended the registered nurse license of Gary Troy Wright (RN60624238) after the Oklahoma Board of Nursing suspended Wright’s registered nurse and certified registered nurse anesthesiologist licenses. Wright’s Oklahoma licenses were suspended because Wright placed an anesthesia circuit hose into his mouth on at least six occasions during a surgical procedure and was found on the floor of an empty operating room while holding an anesthesia circuit hose in his hand.
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