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OLYMPIA -- The Washington State Department of Health has taken disciplinary actions or withdrawn charges against the following health care providers in our state.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

Benton County

In March 2024 the Board of Nursing (formerly the Nursing Commission) charged registered nurse Tyler Waite (RN61072301) with unprofessional conduct. Charges state that in February 2023, Waite was convicted of first-degree animal abuse, in the Washington County Circuit Court, state of Oregon.

Clark County

In March 2024 the Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission withdrew the statement of charges against pharmacist Dawn M. Sasse (PH00017118).

Douglas County

In March 2024 the X-Ray Technician Program charged x-ray technician Basilisa Jimenez Hernandez (XT61345352) with unprofessional conduct. In April 2022, Jimenez Hernandez allegedly practiced as a radiologic technologist without an active license.

King County

In January 2024 the Chiropractic Quality Assurance Commission amended the statement of charges of unprofessional conduct against chiropractor Justin T. Goslin (CH60264834). The alleged violations now include a violation of rules regarding standards of patient care or professional conduct. Charges state that in 2020, Goslin inappropriately touched a patient during treatment and discussed his personal relationship with the patient. In July 2022, Goslin allegedly smelled of alcohol, discussed his personal relationship with a patient and attempted to keep her from leaving the treatment session and parking lot.

In March 2024 the Board of Nursing (formerly the Nursing Commission) charged licensed practical nurse Monica A. Davis (LP60066246) with unprofessional conduct. Between October 2022 and December 2022, Davis allegedly engaged in a romantic relationship with an incarcerated individual in the correctional facility where she worked as a nurse.

Lewis County

In February 2024 the secretary of health granted Jennifer Jo Johnson (CG61493239) a license to practice as an agency affiliated counselor with conditions on the license. The license is on probation for at least two years, during which time Johnson must work under an approved supervisor who submits quarterly performance evaluation reports. Johnson was convicted of first-degree criminal trespass in April 2019 and in the second degree in December 2021, both gross misdemeanors.

Pierce County

In February 2024 the Dental Quality Assurance Commission released Corey Lashon Pruitt (D161323573) from the terms and conditions on his dental assistant license.

Skagit County

In February 2024 the secretary of health granted Emily Irene Felton (ST61466642) a license to practice as a surgical technologist with conditions on the license. Felton must enroll and participate in a monitoring program. In August 2023, Felton entered into a deferred prosecution for the charges of fourth-degree assault and driving while under the influence, both gross misdemeanors. In November 2019, Felton was convicted of reckless driving, a gross misdemeanor.

Snohomish County

In February 2024 the secretary of health indefinitely suspended the certified nursing assistant license of Samantha N. Steele (NC10088080). Prior to petitioning for reinstatement, Steele must pass an ethics course. Beginning in 2021, Steele exchanged personal and sexual messages and engaged in physically intimate or sexual actions with a patient while providing home care assistance.

Spokane County

In December 2023 the Agency Affiliated Counselor Program charged agency affiliated counselor Christa LeAnne Hunter (CG61115361) with unprofessional conduct. Between November 2021 and June 2023, Hunter allegedly engaged in a romantic sexual relationship with a patient.

In March 2024 the secretary of health and Hayley Crider entered an agreed order. Crider must permanently cease and desist from all practice of animal massage therapy in Washington state, unless she obtains the proper license. Crider must also pay a $1,000 fine. Between September 2022 and August 2023, Crider provided equine massage therapy without a proper license.

In February 2024 the secretary of health granted Brittany Nicole Black (CG61452147) a license to practice as an agency affiliated counselor with conditions on the license. The license is on probation for four years, during which time Black must work under an approved supervisor who submits quarterly performance evaluation reports. In April 2018, Black was convicted of four counts of second-degree identity theft and two counts of forgery, all class C felonies. In January 2018, Black was convicted of two counts of second-degree identity theft, second-degree trafficking in stolen property, and second-degree theft, all class C felonies.

Thurston County

In January 2024 the secretary of health terminated the probation on the mental health counselor license of Becky M. Cox (LH00008881).

Out of State

Arkansas: In February 2024 the secretary of health granted Erica Jane Skelton (NC61456129) a license to practice as a certified nursing assistant with conditions on the license. For five years, Skelton’s employer must submit quarterly performance evaluation reports. In June 2020, Skelton entered into a deferred sentence for the charges of feloniously pointing a firearm, assault with intent to commit felony, and domestic abuse-assault and battery.

California: In February 2024 the Board of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery terminated the probation on the osteopathic physician and surgeon license of Vinson M. DiSanto (OP00001800).

Florida: In March 2024 the Board of Nursing (formerly the Nursing Commission) charged registered nurse and advanced registered nurse practitioner Elizabeth Mercedes Hernandez (RN60998655, AP60931942) with unprofessional conduct. Charges state that in December 2023, Hernandez was convicted of conspiracy to commit health care fraud and wire fraud, four counts of health care fraud, and three counts of false statements relating to health care matters and was sentenced to 240 months imprisonment.

Hawaii: In March 2024 the Board of Naturopathy charged naturopathic physician Allison Anne Hofmann (NT60209747) with unprofessional conduct. Hofmann allegedly diagnosed patients with unreliable methods without substantiating those diagnoses using other credible methods or tools.