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OLYMPIA -- The Washington State Department of Health has taken disciplinary actions or withdrawn charges against the following health care providers in our state.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 April 2023 the Unlicensed Practice Program notified medical assistant phlebotomist Torre J Swenson (PC60359971) of its intent to issue a cease-and-desist order. Charges state that from July to at least October 2022, Swenson established a website and social media accounts for his phlebotomy services company that advertised services, prices, and promotional discounts. Swenson’s phlebotomy license expired in September 2016.

King County

In April 2023 the Dental Commission withdrew charges of unprofessional conduct against dentist with general anesthesia permit Scott C Clayhold (DE00009240, GA10000326).

In April 2023 the Unlicensed Practice Program issued Therese A Henning (MA00012801) a cease-and-desist order for practicing massage without a license and advertising to provide massage services. Henning’s license expired in April 2014.

In April 2023 the Unlicensed Practice Program notified Leah Spring Alvarado (NT60391312) of its intent to issue a cease-and-desist order. Charges state that between 2017 and 2022, Alvarado was employed as and represented herself as a licensed naturopathic physician by using the initials ND on her resume, signature block and in materials without clarifying that she was not licensed in Washington. Alvarado does not and has never held a naturopathic physician license in the state of Washington.

In April 2023 the Dental Commission and Mark A Caggiano (DE00006697, CS10000433) agreed to restrictions on his dentist license and moderate sedation with parenteral agents permit. Caggiano may not fit, place, or perform any other procedures related to implants for at least one year. Before the restriction is lifted, Caggiano must complete 101 hours of continuing education in the areas of implant placement, implant treatment planning, radiographic interpretation, and chart documentation; complete a jurisprudence exam; and pay a fine of $5,000 dollars. In 2017, Caggiano’s treatment of a patient, including a series of implants, fell below the standard of patient care to a degree that required significant revision by a periodontist.

Kitsap County

In April 2023 the secretary of health withdrew charges of unprofessional conduct against optometrist Melani A Cruz (OD60906074).

Pierce County

In April 2023 the Massage Therapy Program charged massage therapist Jeremiah Ryan DeBoer (MA60546710) with unprofessional conduct. Charges state that in October 2022, DeBoer allegedly touched two clients inappropriately without their consent.

Snohomish County

In April 2023 the secretary of health ended the probation on the substance use disorder professional trainee license of Steven Scott Petitte (CO61095330).

In April 2023 the Unlicensed Practice Program notified Dawn Purbaugh of its intent to issue a cease-and-desist order. Charges state that on numerous occasions between August and October of 2022, Purbaugh advertised cupping therapy on social media accounts. Correspondence between Purbaugh and a client allegedly confirms Purbaugh’s fees for the therapy. Purbaugh does not and has not ever held a credential to practice as an acupuncture and eastern medicine practitioner in the state of Washington.

Spokane County

In April 2023 the Pharmacy Commission denied the pharmacy assistant application of Roshon Edward Thomas (VB61268396). Between 1997 and 2004, Thomas was convicted of numerous class B and class C felonies, including possession of cocaine with intent to deliver.

Whatcom County

In April 2023 the secretary of health withdrew charges of unprofessional conduct against massage therapist Jeremy Robert Wilson (MA60685992).