For immediate release: June 22, 2023 (23-086)
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 May 2023 the secretary of health revoked the home care aide license of Eldy E. Munoz (HM60507967). In June 2022, Munoz was convicted of second-degree theft, a class C felony, for taking a prepaid debit card from a patient without permission. In December 2022, the Department of Social and Health Services’ Adult Protective Services determined that Munoz financially exploited a vulnerable adult.
Grays Harbor
In May 2023 the Nursing Assistant Program suspended the certified nursing assistant license of Tericka L. Wheeldon (NC10039755). Wheeldon may not petition for reinstatement for two years and pay a $500.00 fine. Prior to petitioning for reinstatement, Wheeldon must complete eight hours of continuing education in the areas of theft awareness, and law and ethics. In September 2022, Wheeldon was placed on the Department of Social and Health Services’ Adult Protective Services long-term care abuse and neglect registry.
Jefferson County
In May 2023 the Dental Commission indefinitely suspended the dental assistant license of Sarah Gates Smith (D161348089). In April 2022, Smith was convicted of driving under the influence and negligent driving and did not comply with subsequent conditions on the license.
Yakima County
In May 2023 the Home Care Aide Program indefinitely suspended the home care aide license of Maria Estela Bernal Avalos (HM60652374). Bernal Avalos may petition for reinstatement after payment of a $250 fine and completion of four hours continuing education in the areas of boundaries and ethics. In May 2020, Bernal Avalos used a client’s credit card with permission to purchase herself a washer and dryer.
Out of State
Oregon: In May 2023 the Pharmacy Commission reprimanded pharmacist Daniel Nelson Asay (PH60921227). Asay failed to provide documents in response to an investigation.
Oregon: In May 2023 the Pharmacy Commission reprimanded pharmacist Howard Anthony Jensen (PH60969681). Jensen failed to cooperate with a disciplinary authority’s investigation.
Oregon: In May 2023 the Nursing Commission indefinitely suspended the registered nurse and advanced registered nurse practitioner licenses of Christine Elizabeth O’Connor (RN60949723, AP61056892-NP). In November 2022, the Oregon State Board of Nursing (Oregon Board) accepted the voluntary surrender of O’Connor’s licenses after the Oregon Board found that O’Connor had failed to establish or maintain ethical boundaries with a client.
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