For immediate release: January 7, 2025 (25-002)
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.
Benton County
In October 2024 the secretary of health indefinitely suspended Tuesdae Arizona Hunter's (NA60088578) registered nursing assistant license. In July 2023, Hunter was witnessed twice taking facility supplies and subsequently made statements indicating she would be dishonest about the incidents. Hunter has not responded to the July 2024 charges.
In November 2024 the secretary of health denied Kristin Ann Kayfes's (MA60689986) petition to reconsider reinstating her massage therapist license. Her October 2024 petition did not meet the required threshold requirements for reconsideration. Kayfes has exhausted all administrative remedies
Clark County
In September 2024 the Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission suspended Blackfly Investments LLC's drug and other controlled substances registrant license (FX60605571) for five years, during which time it may not petition for reinstatement. In December 2018, Blackfly entered into a $1.7 million settlement agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice for violating the Anti-Kickback Statute. In November 2023, the company waived its right to a hearing.
Cowlitz County
In October 2024 the Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission and Krystine Elizabeth Sims (VA60433555) agreed to conditions that indefinitely suspend Sims's pharmacy technician license. During a June 2023 investigation, Sims admitted to diverting various controlled substances from dispensing machines and patient prescriptions.
In September 2024 the secretary of health indefinitely suspended the agency affiliated counselor license of Michelle Anne Taylor (CG60526398). In January 2023, Taylor was convicted of DUI (Driving Under the Influence), then charged with a second DUI in March 2023. In August 2024, she waived her right to a hearing and submitted a written response to the charges.
King County
In October 2024 the Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission indefinitely suspended the pharmacy assistant license of Chelsie Marie Andrew (VB60781070). In September 2020, Andrew was convicted of third-degree malicious mischief and fourth-degree assault. Andrew has not responded to the Commission's August 2024 charges.
Kitsap County
In October 2024 the secretary of health suspended Marquise King's (NC61367901) certified nursing assistance license for a minimum of six years. In October 2023, King was convicted of third-degree child rape. King has not responded to the August 2024 charges.
Pierce County
In October 2024 the secretary of health indefinitely suspended the massage therapist license of Madasen Grace Foster (MA61373337). In August 2023, Foster engaged in sexual misconduct with a client and stole another’s credit card, using it to make unauthorized purchases. As of June 2024, Foster had not adequately responded to DOH inquiries, including the August 2024 charges.
Snohomish County
In October 2024 the Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission permanently revoked the pharmacy license of Brian Diaz (PH60267031). In September 2020, Diaz pleaded guilty to federal charges of possession of child pornography.
In August 2024 the secretary of health indefinitely suspended the registered nursing assistant license of Jackson Simosi Nyarangi (NA60552782). In April 2022, Nyarangi reported to work intoxicated, failed to provide proper patient care, and demonstrated aggressive behavior. In July 2022, APS (Adult Protective Services) found he had neglected a vulnerable adult. Nyarangi did not contest the default order issued in March 2024.
Yakima County
In October 2024 the secretary of health indefinitely suspended the massage therapist license of Jose Adrian Cisneros Alvarez (MA61201951). In October 2023, during a massage therapy session, Alvarez allegedly engaged in sexual misconduct with a client. He has been charged with second-degree rape with trial pending in October 2024. Alvarez has not responded to the July 2024 charges.
In September 2024 the secretary of health suspended Nicole Marie Reyes's (MA60523229) massage therapist license for two years, during which she may not petition for reinstatement. Between December 2021 and February 2023, Reyes engaged in inappropriate communications with a client outside of business hours and exchanged sexually explicit text messages. In June 2024, Reyes waived her right to a hearing and submitted materials which were considered in this decision.
Out of State
California: In November 2024 the Massage Therapist Program accepted the surrender of Hongli Han’s (MA61257505) massage therapist license. In February 2024, Han’s national exam was invalidated and in 2013, they surrendered their Florida license amid allegations of fraudulent education documents.
Idaho: In September 2024 the secretary of health suspended the independent clinical social worker license of Jill Susann Howard (SC61166897) for at least three years, during which she may not petition for reinstatement. Between August 2021 and May 2022, Howard provided counseling services to a client. After ending the professional relationship, she violated professional standards when she involved the client in her personal charity and engaged in sexual contact with them.
The DOH website is your source for a healthy dose of information. Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and follow us on X (formerly Twitter). Sign up for the DOH blog, Public Health Connection.
###