For immediate release: September 10, 2024 (24-107)
Contact: DOH Communications
Public inquiries: Health Systems Customer Service 360-236-4700
OLYMPIA -- The Washington State Department of Health has taken disciplinary actions or withdrawn charges against the following health care providers in our state.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.
Island County
In August 2024 the secretary of health charged substance use disorder professional trainee Jennifer Moore (CO60810653) with unprofessional conduct. Alleged facts state that in December 2023, Moore failed to comply with the stipulation to informal disposition she entered in 2022 by failing to enroll in the Professional/Problem Based Ethics course.
King County
In July 2024 the secretary of health denied the application for a certified behavior technician license of Caitrin Eva Connolly (CB61520530). Connolly failed to comply with a December 2015 agreed order related to other health care provider credentials by withdrawing from a recovery and monitoring program. In February 2022, Connolly was convicted of driving under the influence, a gross misdemeanor.
In July 2024 the secretary of health denied the application for a home care aide license of Joshua Lee Hays (HM61501144). In March 2024, Hays admitted to borrowing $1,000 from a client.
In August 2024 the secretary of health issued a cease-and-desist order to Chunfang Zhou. In January 2024, Zhou engaged in the practice of massage therapy without a license.
Pend Oreille County
In July 2024 the secretary of health denied the application for a home care aide license of Robbi Lynn Talmage (HM61478892). In December 2023, Talmage admitted to having a sexual relationship with a client.
Pierce County
In August 2024 the Board of Nursing (formerly the Nursing Commission) reinstated the registered nurse license of Deborah Jean Revelez (RN00117724) with conditions. Revelez’s registered nurse license is subject to probation during which time she may only practice as part of a Board-approved refresher course. Revelez must continue to comply with a monitoring program.
Spokane County
In August 2024 the secretary of health charged certified nursing assistant and registered medical assistant Katelyn Alisha Tebeau (NC61129358, MR61187376) with unprofessional conduct. Alleged facts state that from November 2021 to December 2021, Tebeau falsely identified herself as a patient’s sister at the hospital where she was employed. Tebeau diverted oxycodone from this patient and provided them with Adderall and Remeron, for which Tebeau did not have a prescription. In January 2022, Tebeau’s urinalysis results were positive for the benzodiazepine alprazolam, for which she did not have a prescription.
In August 2024 the secretary of health charged independent social worker Kristin Nicole Reiter (LW61069159) with unprofessional conduct. Alleged facts state that in August 2023, Reiter voluntarily surrendered her credential to practice as a licensed social worker before the Idaho State Board of Social Work Examiners.
Thurston County
In August 2024 the secretary of health filed charges for home care aide Marcia Lynn Brown (HM60451190), alleging she may be unable to practice with reasonable skill and safety by reason of a medical condition. Brown failed to respond to a September 2023 letter to cooperate with Department of Health investigators.
Whatcom County
In August 2024 the secretary of health charged certified nursing assistant Amber Joan Valdez (NC60928859) with unprofessional conduct. Alleged facts state that in April 2023, law enforcement found Valdez under the influence of and in possession of fentanyl during a search of a residence where Valdez worked as a long-term care aide.
Yakima County
In August 2024 the Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission reinstated the pharmacist license of Nancy Sanchez (VB60312739) without conditions.
Out of State
Oregon: In August 2024 the secretary of health granted Dustin Leo Wendelin (CG61450998) a license to practice as an agency affiliated counselor with conditions on the license. Wendelin must provide a copy of his agreement to practice with conditions to current and future health care employers and be supervised by a qualified professional who will submit quarterly performance evaluation reports. Wendelin submitted letters of explanation regarding his past criminal history, which includes an August 2022 arrest and subsequent conviction of misdemeanor sex with a minor, as well as an April 2022 conviction for aggravated assault and violation of Georgia Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act.
Note to Editors: Health care providers charged with unprofessional conduct have 20 days to respond to the Department of Health in writing. The case then enters the settlement process. If no disciplinary agreement can be reached, the case will go to a hearing.
The DOH website is your source for a healthy dose of information. Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and follow us on X (formerly Twitter). Sign up for the DOH blog, Public Health Connection.
###