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OLYMPIA -- The Washington State Department of Health has taken disciplinary actions or withdrawn charges against the following health care providers in our state.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 August 2024 the secretary of health granted Stacy Jo McCary (VB61539032) a license to practice as a pharmacy assistant with conditions on the license. McCary must enroll in a substance abuse evaluation. In July 2022, McCary was convicted of reckless driving.

Franklin County

In August 2024 the Board of Nursing (formerly the Nursing Commission) released James Taylor Henry (RN00151182) from the terms and conditions on his registered nurse license.

Island County

In August 2024 the Board of Nursing (formerly the Nursing Commission) reinstated the registered nurse license of Kayla Erin Wilson (RN60295492) with conditions. Wilson must contact and participate in a monitoring program.

King County

In August 2024 the Veterinary Board of Governors granted Paula Rene Brown (VM61476915) a license to practice as a veterinary medication clerk with conditions on the license. The veterinary medication clerk license is placed on probation for five years, during which time Brown must provide a copy of the agreement to current and future health care employers. Brown must also provide compliance with a court ordered judgement and sentence. In June 2023, Brown plead guilty to second-degree theft.

In August 2024 the secretary of health granted Elliott Woehler (CO61557264) a license to practice as a substance use disorder professional trainee with conditions on the license. The substance use disorder professional trainee license is placed on probation for three years, during which time Woehler must provide a copy of the agreement to current and future health care employers. Woehler must also be supervised by a qualified professional who submits quarterly performance evaluation reports. In April 2023, Woehler entered a plea of nolo contendere of domestic battery by strangulation and false imprisonment – adult, both felonies, and petit theft, a misdemeanor.

In August 2024 the secretary of health charged substance use disorder professional Douglas Gangat Uy (CP60494259) with unprofessional conduct. Alleged facts state in April 2023, Uy tested positive for controlled substances.

In July 2024 the secretary of health denied the application of Randall Scott Hines (PC61419575) for a license to practice as a medical assistant – phlebotomist. In February 2013, Hines was convicted of distribution of drugs to underage individuals and possession of child pornography, both felonies.

Kitsap County

In August 2024 the secretary of health charged nursing assistant Raine Scoth Tongol Sison-Tabios (NA61178574) with unprofessional conduct. Alleged facts state that Sison-Tabios pled guilty to third-degree rape and entered the judgment and sentence in December 2023.

Lewis County

In August 2024 the secretary of health charged certified nursing assistant Austyn Madison Deel (NC60798095) with unprofessional conduct. Alleged facts state that in August 2023, Deel admitted to working with a suspended certified nursing assistant license.

Mason County

In August 2024 the secretary of health terminated the probation on the mental health counselor license of Mirra Leigh Merkel (LH60569530).

Snohomish County

In August 2024 the secretary of health and Modou Jobe (NC60316051) entered an agreed order on Jobe’s certified nursing assistant license. The certified nursing assistant license is on probation for four years, during which time Jobe must pass an ethics course. Jobe must also complete two hours of continuing education and have their health care employer submit quarterly performance evaluation reports. Jobe made personal contact with multiple patients including engaging in a sexual relationship with a patient.

Pierce County

In July 2024 the secretary of health denied the application of Patricia Anne McLean (PC61554826) for a license to practice as a medical assistant – phlebotomist. In December 2020, McLean’s licensed practical nurse license was suspended indefinitely pending her obtaining a substance use evaluation and participating in a monitoring program.

Spokane County

In August 2024 the secretary of health terminated the probation on the certified nursing assistant and registered medical assistant licenses of Audie L. Morgan (NC60478962, MR60880606).

In August 2024 the secretary of health granted Joshua David Hawley (CG61510266) a license to practice as an agency affiliated counselor with conditions on the license. The agency affiliated counselor license is placed on probation for two years, during which time Hawley must provide a copy of the agreement to current and future health care employers. Hawley must also be supervised by a qualified professional who submits quarterly performance evaluation reports. In March 2021, Hawley was convicted of first-degree trespass building. In April 2021, Hawley was convicted of third-degree retail theft with special/extenuating circumstances, a felony. In June 2021, Hawley was convicted of driving under the influence - drugs, a gross misdemeanor.

In August 2024 the secretary of health charged agency affiliated counselor Kevin D. Horn (CG61357317) with unprofessional conduct. Alleged facts state in August 2022, Horn engaged in sexually suggestive behavior with patients. In January 2023, Horn allegedly engaged in unprofessional conduct and failed to maintain patient confidentially by taking clients to multiple unauthorized locations while on client outings. Horn also allegedly arrived to work under the influence and provided clients with nicotine and marijuana vaping devices.

Walla Walla County

In August 2024 the Board of Nursing (formerly the Nursing Commission) terminated the probation on the licensed practical nurse license of Isaac Matthew Liberty (LP60596476).

In August 2024 the secretary of health charged emergency medical technician Andrea Renae Briones (ES60502871) with unprofessional conduct. Alleged facts state that in February 2018, Briones began a sexual relationship with a minor client who was receiving treatment at her place of work. Briones physically abused the client on at least three occasions resulting in bruising and swelling. Briones also provided the client with alcohol during their relationship. Briones has failed to respond to a letter of cooperation from June 2023.