For immediate release: January 13, 2025 (25-007)
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 the registered nursing assistant license of Kayla Lynne Benson (NA61394201). Benson repeatedly was witnessed taking facility supplies meant for residents before her employment was terminated in July 2023. She has not responded to DOH legal documents served in August 2024.
In November 2024 the secretary of health suspended the massage therapist license of Joseph Taylor Moraniec (MA60629040). In November 2023, Moraniec engaged in sexual misconduct with a client during a massage therapy session. In May 2024, he was charged with indecent liberties, a class B felony. He has not responded to legal documents DOH served in September 2024. Moraniec is not eligible to petition for reinstatement for four years.
Douglas County
In November 2024 the Dental Quality Assurance Commission and Tia Kathleen Riley (D160922562) agreed to conditions that indefinitely suspend Riley’s dental assistant license. In December 2023, staff identified discrepancies in Riley’s handling of controlled substances, including unauthorized possession. Riley also failed to respond to the DOH’s February 2024 request for information regarding the allegations.
Lewis County
In November 2024 the secretary of health suspended the agency affiliated counselor and licensed social worker credentials of James Alan Ghere (CG60956790, LW60921526). In December 2023, Ghere was convicted of possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine, a class B felony, and unlawful use of a building for drug purposes, a class C felony. The Agency Affiliated Counselor Program and Licensed Social Worker Program served Ghere with legal documents in September 2024 and he did not respond by the required deadline. He is not eligible to petition for reinstatement for two years.
Pierce County
In November 2024 the secretary of health suspended the registered nursing license of Whitney Nataya-Elizabeth Hicks (NA60844755). In July 2023, Hicks visited a former patient's home and requested a check for $1,700. She did not respond to DOH requests for information about the investigation between November 2023 and July 2024. Hicks is not eligible to petition for reinstatement for three years.
In November 2024 the secretary of health indefinitely suspended the registered nursing assistant license of Christina M. Lester (NC10084372). In December 2023, the Department of Social and Health Services’ Adult Protective Services found Lester financially exploited and neglected vulnerable adults. As a result, she is prohibited from being employed in the care of or having unsupervised access to vulnerable adults. Lester has not responded to legal documents DOH served in August 2024.
Spokane County
In October 2024 the secretary of health denied Maria G. Zabalza Galarza’s (HM61390328) application to practice as a home care aide. Zabalza Galarza failed to complete the required 75 hours of training within 120 days, a condition for home care aide licensing.
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