State disciplines health care providers

OLYMPIA -- The Washington State Department of Health has taken disciplinary actions or withdrawn charges against the following health care providers in our state.

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 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 encouraged to call and report their complaint.

Clark County

In February 2024 the Board of Nursing (formerly the Nursing Commission) terminated the probation on the registered nurse and advanced registered nurse practitioner licenses of Janae Nichole McDaniel (RN60182506, AP61465261).

Columbia County

In February 2024 the Board of Nursing (formerly the Nursing Commission) and Rebecca E. White (RN00134214) entered an agreed order on her registered nurse license. White must continue to comply with the monitoring program. In May 2023, White entered a monitoring contract after diverting controlled substances.

King County

In February 2024 the Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission reinstated the pharmacist intern license of Jessica Ta (IR60684519) with conditions on the license. The license will be on probation for three years. Ta must continue to comply with the monitoring program and submit quarterly progress reports.

In January 2024 the secretary of health denied the pharmacy assistant license application of Emily Lorraine Burt (VB61381566). The application was denied because the required, current mental health examination was not obtained.

In February 2024 the Podiatric Medical Board and Brandon D. Nelson (PO60003506) entered an agreed order on his podiatric physician and surgeon license. Nelson must pay a $10,000 fine, pass an ethics course, and self-report for six months. Nelson prescribed medication to patients and received money in return for directing the prescriptions to certain pharmacies.

In February 2024 the secretary of health terminated the probation on the agency affiliated counselor license of Jolene Ann Williams (CG61109702).

Pierce County

In February 2024 the Dental Quality Assurance Commission released Stacy Lynn Martin (D160102560) from the terms and conditions on her dental assistant license.

In February 2024 the Nursing Assistant Program charged registered nursing assistant William Kawawa Karagu (NA61039987) with unprofessional conduct. In July 2023, Karagu allegedly engaged in sexually inappropriate behavior while intoxicated at the residential care center where he worked.

In February 2024 the secretary of health terminated the probation on the agency affiliated counselor license of Duane E. Serrano (CG61454234).

Skagit County

In February 2024 the secretary of health granted Cecil Gordon Dodd (CO61510445) a license to practice as a substance use disorder professional trainee with conditions on the license. The license will be on probation for three years, during which time an approved professional must supervise Dodd’s practice and submit quarterly performance evaluation reports. In July 2020, Dodd was convicted of delivery of a controlled substance – methamphetamine; two convictions of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance – methamphetamine and fentanyl, all class B felonies; and convicted of second-degree unlawful possession of a firearm, a class C felony.

Snohomish County

In February 2024 the Nursing Assistant Program charged certified nursing assistant Modou Jobe (NC60316051) with unprofessional conduct. Jobe allegedly made personal contact with multiple patients including engaging in a sexual relationship with a patient.

Spokane County

In February 2024 the secretary of health granted Alex Eugene VanOrden (CO61417079) a license to practice as a substance use disorder professional trainee with conditions on the license. The license will be on probation for three years, during which time an approved professional must supervise VanOrden’s practice and submit quarterly performance evaluation reports. In May 2019, VanOrden was convicted of attempting to elude, a class C felony, and theft of a motor vehicle, second-degree burglary, and possession of a stolen firearm, all class B felonies. In May 2017, VanOrden was convicted of felony DUI and in April 2017 and twice in March 2015, convicted of driving under the influence, all felonies.