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OLYMPIA -- The Washington State Department of Health has taken disciplinary actions or withdrawn charges against the following health care providers in our state.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 “Look up a health care provider license” in the “How Do I?” 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.

Clallam County

In May 2022 the secretary of health granted with conditions an agency affiliated counselor license to Jenny Lynn Iredale (CG61288289). Iredale agreed to the conditions, which include probation on her credential until at least April 2023 and quarterly performance evaluations.

In June 2022 the Nursing Commission charged registered nurse Jamie Marie Lockhart (RN60383498) with unprofessional conduct for allegedly practicing nursing while affected by controlled substances.

Clark County

In May 2022 the Massage Therapist Program placed on probation for at least 12 months the massage therapist license of Erin Kristine Rodgers (MA61055624). Rodgers agreed to quarterly performance reports and to refrain from engaging in solo practice for 12 months. Rodgers failed to comply with a 2021 agreement that required her to participate in a substance use monitoring program.

King County

In May 2022 the secretary of health ended probation on the massage therapist license of Patrick Allen Potter (MA60912032).

In April 2022 the secretary of health denied the home care aide application of Francis G. Gathumbi (HM61171824). Gathumbi allegedly had sexual intercourse with a patient, a vulnerable adult, at the adult family home where he worked.

Pierce County

In May 2022 the Nursing Commission charged registered nurse Abigail Rene Sodano (RN60291039) with unprofessional conduct. In February 2016 Sodano entered a five-year substance use monitoring contract in lieu of disciplinary action. In January 2021 Sodano tested positive for methadone, a controlled substance, without having a prescription for the drug.

In May 2022 the Nursing Assistant Program charged registered nursing assistant T L Nicole Emanuel (NA60117626) with unprofessional conduct. Emmanuel, who co-owned an adult family home, allegedly acted paranoid and removed four vulnerable adults from the residence. She allegedly traveled with them for multiple days, sleeping in the car with them for at least three nights, without allowing them access to their cellphones, or personal care products.

In May 2022 the Nursing Assistant Program charged Jessica M. Newkirk (NA60227374) with unprofessional conduct. Newkirk, who co-owned an adult family home, allegedly removed four vulnerable adults from the residence. She allegedly traveled with them for multiple days, sleeping in the car with them for at least three nights, without allowing them access to their cellphones, or personal care products.

In February 2022 the Occupational Board ended conditions on the occupational therapist license of Tara Renee Sperry (OT60096143).

Thurston County

In May 2022 the Unlicensed Practice Program notified Chelsea Alysse Headrick of its intent to issue a cease-and-desist order. Headrick allegedly gave a client a massage without a license in July 2021. Later that month, Headrick applied for a credential to practice as a massage therapist (MA61206980).

Whatcom County

In May 2022 the Nursing Assistant Program charged certified nursing assistant Amanda Kate Lyons (NC60386319) with unprofessional conduct. Lyons failed to respond to a DOH investigator’s request for an explanation of allegations that Lyons took medication from residents at the assistant living facility where she worked.

In May 2022 the secretary of health agreed to grant with conditions an agency affiliated counselor license to Shane J. Van Capelle (CG61269068). Van Capelle agreed to the conditions, which include probation for three years, professional supervision, and quarterly evaluation reports. Van Capelle was convicted of assault in 2014 and malicious mischief in Whatcom County Superior Court in 2021.