For immediate release: December 19, 2022 (22-184)
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 “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.
Clallam County
In November 2022 the secretary of health suspended massage therapist Lindsay Rose Rieker (MA60069647). Rieker did not cooperate with an investigator who requested information due to a complaint alleging unlicensed practice.
Clark County
In November 2022 the secretary of health suspended the certified nursing assistant license of Blake Matthew Huegel (NC60314634). The Department of Social and Health Services’ Adult Protective Services determined that Huegel abused a vulnerable adult.
Island County
In November 2022 the secretary of health suspended the acupuncture and Eastern Medicine practitioner license of Gail N. Ptacek (AC00000050) because she was unable to practice with reasonable skill and safety due to physical and mental conditions.
King County
In November 2022 the secretary of health suspended the emergency medical technician license of Andrew T. Finseth (ES01163279). Finseth pleaded guilty to computer trespass and cyberstalking in King County Superior Court. He posed as another firefighter and used that firefighter’s email to send threatening letters to a Seattle City Council member, among other misuses of the firefighter’s email.
Kitsap County
In November 2022 the Nursing Commission suspended the registered nurse license of Beverly Michelle Johnson (RN60657980). Johnson returned from a work lunch break with a disordered gait and slurred speech.
Pierce County
In November 2022 the Nursing Assistant Program suspended the certified nursing assistant license of TaDarwin Yvain Hardy (NC10019391). Hardy did not comply with a substance use monitoring program.
In November 2022 the Nursing Commission suspended the credential of licensed practical nurse Jennifer L. Hanks (LP60101088). On multiple occasions, Hanks documented the withdrawal of oxycodone 10 mg, but did not document the withdrawals as administered or wasted.
In November 2022 the secretary of health suspended the certified medical assistant and certified nursing assistant license of Ashley Nichole Kark (CM60756785, NC60786738) based on action taken against her licensed practical nurse credential.
In November 2022 the secretary of health and optometrist Joseph Theodore Beaushaw (OD60545495) agreed to an order that places Beaushaw’s license on probation for at least 12 months and requires a $1,000 fine. Beaushaw had a romantic and sexual relationship with a patient.
In November 2022 the secretary of health suspended the home care aide and registered nursing assistant licenses of Anthony David Benavente (HM60991568, NA00187116). Benavente engaged in inappropriate verbal contact with a client and sent sexual text messages and made sexual suggestions to the client.
Thurston County
In November 2022 the secretary of health suspended the certified nursing assistant with a medication assistant endorsement license of Lora Margaret Dowell (NC60327456, ME60921107). The Department of Social and Health Services’ Adult Protective Services determined that Dowell had neglected a vulnerable adult.
Whitman County
In November 2022 the Nursing Commission suspended the registered nurse license of Stephanie R. Koski (RN00146564) pending further disciplinary action. The Board of Registered Nursing, Department of Consumer Affairs, State of California revoked Koski’s registered nursing license, finding she diverted a controlled substance, used a controlled substance without a prescription, and made incorrect, inconsistent, or unintelligible entries in hospital, patient, or other records related to a controlled substance.
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