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OLYMPIA -- The Washington State Department of Health has taken disciplinary actions or withdrawn charges against the following health care providers in our state.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

Chelan County

In August 2023 the Nursing Assistant Program and certified nursing assistant Debra Lee Knappert (NC10009924) entered an Agreed Order. Knappert must complete six hours of mandatory training in the areas of patient rights, law and ethics, and communicating with patients with cognitive impairments. She must also pay a $250 fine. In December 2022, Knappert was placed on the Department of Social and Health Services long-term care abuse and neglect registry for mentally abusing a vulnerable adult.

Clallam County

In July 2023 the secretary of health denied the home care aide license of Tidjra Ann Tolliver (HM61124545). In January 2023, Tolliver and her partner allegedly refused to leave the home of a vulnerable adult where they stole items such as a vehicle title and apartment building keys. The incident is currently pending investigation with Adult Protective Services.

In August 2023 the Agency Affiliated Counselor Program and the Social Worker Program charged agency affiliated counselor and social worker associate independent clinical Olivia A. Joelson (SC61158973, CG61045549) with unprofessional conduct. Charges state that in March 2021, Joelson entered into a romantic relationship with a patient. Joelson allegedly lied to the Department of Health about the relationship but later admitted to the relationship and her untruthfulness.

Clark County

In August 2023 the Board of Nursing (formerly the Nursing Commission) withdrew the statement of charges on the registered nurse license of Tiffany Anne Davidson (RN60325495).

Island County

In July 2023 the Board of Physical Therapy charged the physical therapy assistant license of Mikaela Marie Vopnford (P160917534) with unprofessional conduct. In March 2022, Vopnford allegedly submitted a urine test that tested positive for methamphetamine and cocaine.

In July 2023 the Examining Board of Psychology ended the terms and conditions on the psychologist license of Aaron Rolland Burdge (PY60032922).

Jefferson County

In August 2023 the Agency Affiliated Counselor Program charged agency affiliated counselor Alexander Lockwood (CG61213278) with unprofessional conduct. Charges state that in July 2022, Lockwood provided a patient, who is a friend, with money to purchase fentanyl, a schedule II drug.

King County

In August 2023 the Nursing Assistant Program charged the certified nursing assistant and the registered nursing assistant licenses of Rahab Wanjiru Kasina (NC61229580, NA60871723) with unprofessional conduct. Kasina allegedly struck a patient’s arm while assisting them. Kasina has responded in writing denying the allegations.

In August 2023 the Unlicensed Practice Program issued a cease-and-desist order to Dongliang Lu. Lu must permanently cease and desist from practicing massage therapy in the state of Washington and pay a $1,000 fine. In January 2022, Lu practiced massage therapy at a business. Lu does not and has never held a massage therapy credential in Washington.

In August 2023 the Board of Nursing (formerly the Nursing Commission) charged registered nurse and advanced registered nurse practitioner Mae Martyn Miskimon (RN00174332, AP60180768-NP) with unprofessional conduct. In February and March 2023, Miskimon allegedly failed to respond to multiple requests for a statement regarding criminal charges. Miskimon allegedly entered a stipulated order of continuance and waiver of rights requiring a chemical dependency evaluation and compliance with treatment recommendations after being criminally charged with two counts of violation of a no contact/protection order. In July 2022, Miskimon was allegedly criminally charged with physical control after being found passed out in her car and admitting to taking fentanyl.  In January 2020, Miskimon was allegedly criminally charged with physical control after having cocaine and drinking alcohol in her car.

Spokane County

In August 2023 the Board of Physical Therapy charged physical therapist Benjamin Dee Lusk (PT60965272) with unprofessional conduct. Lusk allegedly had a sexual relationship with a patient which led to termination of his employment.

In August 2023 the secretary of health ended the probation on the substance use disorder professional trainee license of Sharyl Lynn Brown (CO61144581).

In August 2023 the Unlicensed Practice Program notified Dana Lynn Johnson of its intent to issue a cease-and-desist order. Between March 2022 and December 2022 and again between January 2023 and April 2023, Johnson falsely represented to her employer that she held licenses for licensed practical nurse, certified nursing assistant and, a medical assistant license. Johnson does not and have never held these licenses.

Thurston County

In August 2023 the Board of Nursing (formerly the Nursing Commission) charged registered nurse and advanced registered nurse practitioner Percy Lee Lynchard (RN60049829, AP60800360-NP) with unprofessional conduct. Charges allege that Lynchard practiced below the standard of care in treating 21 patients. For multiple patients, Lynchard failed to address the requirements of the pain management rules when prescribing controlled substances, failed to refer patients to specialists when indicated, failed to document that proper diagnostic criteria was considered prior to diagnosing patients with ADHD, and inappropriately dosed ADHD medication.

Yakima County

In July 2023 the secretary of health and Armando Maciel (CG61398021) agreed to conditions on his agency affiliated counselor license. The license will be on probation until at least June 2026, during which time Maciel must work under an approved supervisor that submits quarterly performance evaluation reports. In 2017 and 2018, Maciel was convicted of obstruction of law enforcement, driving under the influence, and ignition interlock violation, all gross misdemeanors; and stolen property tracking, and violation of a protection order-domestic violence, both felonies.

In August 2023 the Board of Nursing (formerly the Nursing Commission) and Margie Evelyn Eunice Hays (LP60067369) agreed to conditions on her licensed practical nurse license. The license will be on probation for at least 18 months. While on probation, Hays must complete continuing education in the nurse practice act, legal liability, and patient advocacy; not be employed by a temporary or travel nursing agency, or in home health or a community-based care setting; work in a setting in which direct supervision is provided; not function as the head nurse or charge nurse; and not direct or supervise the work of other nurses.  If employed in health care, Hay’s employer must submit six quarterly performance reports. In February 2021, Hays failed to administer daily inhaler medications to two patients for five days but had charted that she had administered the medications.