For immediate release: October 24, 2018 (18-153)
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.
King County
In October 2018 the Nursing Commission indefinitely suspended the registered nurse credential of Moses Kamau Mwangi (RN60359631). Mwangi, who appeared to be impaired while on duty at an adult family home, admitted he had been drinking. He didn’t respond to a Nursing Commission investigator’s inquiry.
In October 2018 the Veterinary Board permanently revoked the veterinarian credential of Melissa M. Norton (VT00003993). Norton maintained wet and unsanitary facilities for animals, and kept inadequate records.
In October 2018 the Nursing Commission indefinitely suspended the licensed practical nurse credential of Janie T. Speaks (LP00034148). Speaks showed signs of alcohol impairment while she was on duty at a health care facility, where an open can of beer was seen in her belongings. Speaks, who admitted having consumed beer on her way to work, didn’t respond to an investigator’s inquiry.
Kitsap County
In October 2018 the Medical Commission entered an agreement with physician Darren M. Chotiner (MD00049050) under which he surrendered his credential. In 2018 Chotiner pleaded guilty to one count of second-degree assault and five counts of fourth-degree assault, all in connection with contact with female patients. Chotiner’s license was suspended in 2014.
Pierce County
In October 2018 the Nursing Commission entered an agreement with registered nurse Crystal Lee Schwab (RN60249039) that suspends her credential. Schwab didn’t abide by a substance abuse monitoring contract, testing positive for drugs for which she had no current prescriptions. The nurse unsuccessfully attempted to bribe test center staff members, subsequently admitted having relapsed, and admitted having worked extensive overtime in violation of her contract.
In October 2018 the Nursing Assistant Program charged registered nursing assistant and certified nursing assistant Richard Eugene Phillips III (NA60811403, NC60816898) with unprofessional conduct and immediately suspended his credentials. The state Department of Social and Health Services found that Phillips financially exploited a vulnerable adult in his care. He can’t be employed in caring for or having unsupervised access to vulnerable adults.
In October 2018 the secretary of health indefinitely suspended the chemical dependency professional trainee and chemical dependency professional credentials of James Harold Harris (CO60204453, CP60345459). While he worked at a treatment center, Harris tested positive for controlled substances for which he lacked valid prescriptions.
Snohomish County
In September 2018 the secretary of health revoked the home care aide credential of Ednah L. Hartley (HM60608913). Hartley took and pawned a vulnerable adult patient’s wedding ring. The state Department of Social and Health Services disqualified Hartley from caring for vulnerable adults, juveniles, and children, thus prohibiting her from home care aide certification.
Out of State
Oregon: In October 2018 the Chemical Dependency Professional Program indefinitely suspended the chemical dependency professional trainee credential of Amanda Marie Boden (CO60804611), who didn’t comply with a substance abuse monitoring contract.
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