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OLYMPIA -- The Washington State Department of Health has taken disciplinary actions or withdrawn charges against the following health care providers in our state.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

Benton County

In July 2022 the Board of Physical Therapy amended charges against physical therapist Amy Lynn Lewis (PT60902515). Lewis was charged with unprofessional conduct for failing to comply with a substance use monitoring contract.

Clark County

In July 2022 the Certified Counselor Program and the Substance Use Disorder Professional Program charged certified counselor and certified substance use disorder professional Jesse Allen James (CL61019010, CP00006269) with unprofessional conduct. James allegedly inaccurately recorded the time he spent with patients.

In July 2022 the Nursing Commission charged registered nurse and advance registered nurse practitioner Ashlee Alieta Tubb (RN60475444, AP60525660-NP) with unprofessional conduct. Tubb allegedly had incorrect information on her COVID-19 vaccine card.

Island County

In July 2022 the East Asian Practitioner Program charged acupuncture and eastern medicine practitioner Gail N. Ptacek (AC00000050) with being unable to practice with reasonable skill and safety due to a physical or mental condition.

King County

In July 2022 the Unlicensed Practice Program notified Amin H. Makeen of its intent to issue a cease-and-desist order. Makeen does not hold a credential to practice acupuncture, East Asian medicine, or massage therapy but allegedly told a Department of Health investigator he was licensed to treat pain.

In July 2022 the secretary of health reinstated the registered nursing assistant license of Dmitriy Rudyy (NA60029896).

In July 2022 the Veterinary Board of Governors charged veterinary technician Molly Ella Reagan Axt (AT60593055) with unprofessional conduct. Axt failed to comply with a 2021 agreed order that required continuing education.

In June 2022 the secretary of health denied the massage therapist credential application of Qifang Chen (MA60995814). In April, Chen was convicted of conspiracy to commit money laundering in U.S. District Court, Western District of Washington.

In July 2022 the secretary of health ordered at least 24 months probation for massage therapist Xing Yu Chen (MA60115256). Chen must also pay a $1,000 fine, complete continuing education, and permit a Department of Health investigator to audit without notice Chen’s practice, among other things. When investigators inspected Chen’s massage business, they found multiple violations, including those related to a lack of displayed employee licenses, medical condition records, and improper sanitary conditions.

Kitsap County

In June 2022 the secretary of health denied the massage therapist application of Yuhua Liu (MA61203446). In 2015, Liu was convicted of one count of prostitution and solicitation in California.

Pierce County

In July 2022 the Social Workers and Associates Program and the Agency Affiliated Counselor Program charged Jeanette Alva Carter (CG60266129, SC60868758) with unprofessional conduct. Carter, who has agency affiliated counselor and associate independent clinical social worker licenses, allegedly engaged in inappropriate sexual communications with a patient at the corrections facility where she worked.

Snohomish County

In July 2022 the Board of Denturists charged denturist Svetlana Leonidovna Hinkle (DN60406207) with unprofessional conduct. Hinkle did not cooperate with an investigation into an alleged billing problem with a patient involving the patient’s insurance, and an audit of patient files showed improper billing and patient records.

Spokane County

In July 2022 the Massage Therapist Program reinstated with conditions the massage therapist license of Loretta Ann Clark (MA60097219). Clark will not engage in solo practice as a massage therapist for 12 months, among other conditions.

Stevens County

In July 2022 the Veterinary Board of Governors charged veterinarian Steven D. Harroun (VT00002308) with unprofessional conduct. Harroun allegedly failed to comply with a stipulated agreement that required 30 hours of continuing education.

Whatcom County

In July 2022 the Unlicensed Practice Program notified Hsiang-Chiu Chi of its intent to issue a cease-and-desist order. Chi allegedly provided massage therapy services though she does not hold a Washington credential.

Yakima County

In July 2022 the secretary of health granted with conditions a substance use disorder professional trainee license to Jaime Barajas (CO61299596). His credential will be on probation for two years and he must have professional supervision and submit quarterly performance evaluations for two years. Between 2006 and 2020, Barajas was convicted of felony assault and several misdemeanors related to driving with a suspended license.

In July 2022 the secretary of health ended probation on the substance use disorder professional license of Robert Keith Lambert (CO61134369).

Out of State

Ohio: In June 2022 the Nursing Commission denied the registered nurse application of David Goodhart (RN61249643). Goodhart failed to obtain a substance use evaluation, which was required as part of the application.

Oregon: In July 2022 the secretary of health granted with conditions a substance use disorder professional trainee license to Russell Kurt Hanson (CO61265823). Hanson agreed to the conditions, which include at least 24 months probation, professional supervision, and quarterly performance evaluations. In June 2018, Hanson was convicted of mail theft or receipt of stolen mail in Oregon Circuit Court.