For immediate release: December 28, 2022 (22-188)
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.
King County
In November 2022 the Nursing Commission suspended the registered nurse license of John Lance Galvin (RN00155631). Galvin failed to report a 2020 conviction of driving under the influence and, in 2021, while on duty as a nurse, fell asleep, disappeared frequently, appeared jaundiced and tremulous, and smelled of alcohol.
In November 2022 the Pharmacy Commission ordered the suspension of the pharmacy assistant and pharmacy technician licenses of Torben Suhr Heinecke (VB60860433, VA60986270). Heinecke diverted controlled substances from his employer, replaced tablets with similar looking non-controlled drugs, and diverted a morphine bag slated for destruction.
Pierce County
In October 2022 the secretary of health suspended the registered nursing assistant and agency affiliated counselor licenses of Mark S. James (CG60764864, NA60755181). While working at Western State Hospital, James made unauthorized withdrawals of patient funds for his benefit, without patient authorization. He took funds from 13 patients through multiple withdrawals, with totals per patient ranging from $20 to $2,180. James did not respond to the charges.
Skagit County
In November 2022 the secretary of health revoked the home health care license of Jennifer Laurissa Recobos (HM60619583). Recobos was convicted of assault-strangulation, suffocation-domestic violence, and assault-reckless infliction of substantial bodily harm-domestic violence, and other violent acts, which disqualifies her from working with vulnerable people.
Snohomish County
In November 2022 the secretary of health suspended the certified medical assistant license of Alexis Nicole Culton-Bussert (CM60544733). In December 2021, Culton-Bussert was convicted of felony assault in Snohomish County Superior Court.
Spokane County
In November 2022 the secretary of health suspended the home care aide and registered nursing assistant license of Michelle Dixon (HM61027539, NA60901970). Dixon diverted controlled substances at the assisted living facility where she worked.
Thurston County
In November 2022 the Nursing Assistant Program and MaryAnn Mullins (NC60293246) agreed to an order that requires she surrender her certified nursing assistant license and that she never resume practice in any capacity. Mullins withdrew from a substance use monitoring contract required as part of an agreed order.
Out of State
Colorado: In November 2022 the Nursing Commission suspended the licensed practical nurse credential of Robert Jarczak (LP60440993). Jarczak failed to comply with the conditions of an agreed order that reinstated his license when he didn’t provide proof of successful completion of a required refresher course.
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