State revokes, suspends licenses, certifications, registrations of health care providers

For immediate release: November 20, 2018  (18-162)

Contact:  Sharon Moysiuk, Strategic Communications Office  360-549-6471
Public inquiries: Health Systems Customer Service  360-236-4700

State revokes, suspends licenses, certifications, registrations of health care providers

OLYMPIA -- The Washington State Department of Health has revoked or suspended the licenses, certifications, or registrations of 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., medical doctors, nurses, counselors).

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.

Clark County

In October 2018 the Optometry Board indefinitely suspended the optometrist credential of Shelby Wickhorst (OD00003526). Wickhorst didn’t furnish patients with glasses and contact lenses he had agreed to provide, in one instance after accepting $400 from a patient. He wasn’t present for a scheduled appointment with a patient, had a full voice mailbox or didn’t respond when patients called to schedule appointments, and didn’t respond to a Department of Health investigator’s inquiry. The property manager for Wickhorst’s office told an investigator the optometrist is in “major default” for past rent, and has apparently closed his business.

King County

In October 2018 the Naturopathy Board entered an agreement with naturopathic physician Bruce A. Klein (NT00000954) under which he surrendered his credential. Klein’s license was suspended in 2016 in connection with inappropriately touching a patient.

In October 2018 the In-Home Services Program entered an agreement with in-home services agency Senior Services of Washington LLC (FS60281478), and owners and operators Stephen Coyne, June Crum, and Charles Mitchell that indefinitely suspends the agency’s credential. An inspection of the agency revealed 17 code violations, 13 of which were repeat violations. The agency inadequately documented employee licensing, skills, criminal background checks, training, and other issues, as well as having inadequate care plans, records, and supervisory visits for clients.

Snohomish County

In October 2018 the Pharmacy Commission entered an agreement with pharmacy technician Debra Miranda (VA00021259) under which her credential is indefinitely suspended. Miranda admitted diverting for her own use controlled substances from a customer’s prescription at the pharmacy where she worked.

In November 2018 the Nursing Assistant Program charged certified nursing assistant Karanja Thuku (NC60126194) with unprofessional conduct and immediately suspended her credential. While working at a rehabilitation facility, Thuku left a vulnerable adult unattended in a bathroom for 10 to 15 minutes, contrary to the care plan. The vulnerable adult tried to transfer by himself. He fell and hit his head, requiring hospitalization and 10 stitches. The state Department of Social and Health Services found that Thuku neglected a vulnerable adult. As a consequence, Thuku can’t be employed in caring for or having unsupervised access to vulnerable adults.

Spokane County

In November 2018 the secretary of health suspended for at least seven years the registered nursing assistant credential of Tyishia Leanne Boyce (NA60774332). In 2015 Boyce was convicted of third-degree assault. In 2018 Boyce was charged with second-degree assault, harassment, and fourth-degree assault. The charges were filed after Boyce allegedly threw a knife at another person and began punching herself in the face. The other person said Boyce was highly intoxicated.

Walla Walla County

In October 2018 the Nursing Assistant Program indefinitely suspended the registered nursing assistant credential of Amanda Kay Jundt (NA60265499). Jundt stole a client’s controlled substances, and took expired drugs that should have been disposed of.

Yakima County

In October 2018 the Nursing Commission vacated a July 2018 order that indefinitely suspended the registered nurse credential of Jill D. Billups (RN00131301), returned her credential to expired status, and again indefinitely suspended her credential. Billups waived her opportunity for a hearing after her original suspension. The nurse asked for and received a controlled substance from a patient.