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OLYMPIA -- The Washington State Department of Health has taken disciplinary actions or withdrawn charges against the following health care providers in our state.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

Franklin County

In November 2023 the Dental Quality Assurance Commission granted Rosalinda Miranda-Tapia (D161435507) a license to practice as a dental assistant with conditions on the license. Miranda-Tapia must comply with the conditions from a 2023 stipulated order of continuance from Franklin County District Court and her employer must submit quarterly performance reports for at least one year. In July 2021, Miranda-Tapia plead guilty to a charge of simple assault, a gross misdemeanor. In September 2023, Miranda-Tapia entered a stipulated order of continuance on a charge of fourth-degree assault, a gross misdemeanor.

King County

In December 2023 the Board of Nursing (formerly the Nursing Commission) terminated the probation on the registered nurse license of Sarah Jane Morgan (RN00171389).

In December 2023 the Board of Nursing (formerly the Nursing Commission) charged registered nurse Morgan Deann Davis (RN61046509) with unprofessional conduct. Between June and July 2021, Davis repeatedly failed to properly document administration or wastage of controlled substances.

Pierce County

In December 2023 the secretary of health released Anthony Bryant (LR61280911) from the terms and conditions on his respiratory care practitioner license.

In December 2023 the Podiatric Medical Board and Mark D. Nellermoe (PO00000507) entered an agreed order on his podiatric physician and surgeon license. Nellermoe must pay a $10,000 fine and pass an ethics course. Nellermoe must also self-report any events such as concerns on his license in another state, denial of privileges in a health care facility, or legal charges or complaints against him. Between 2017 and December 2018, Nellermoe wrote prescriptions to be filled by a pharmacy that was processing payments through a company in which Nellermoe owned shares and received profits from.

Skagit County

In December 2023 the secretary of health granted Sherie Antoinette Johnson (HM61211194) a license to practice as a home care aide with conditions on the license. The license will be on probation for at least two years, during which time an approved professional must supervise Johnson’s practice and submit quarterly performance evaluation reports. In March 2020, Johnson was convicted of driving under the influence. In July 2015 and August 2000, Johnson was convicted of the sale or transportation of a controlled substance and possession for sale of cocaine. Also in August 2000, Johnson was convicted of driving under the influence and hit and run.

Snohomish County

In December 2023 the Acupuncturist or Acupuncture and Eastern Medicine Practitioner Program and Sujin Rhi (AC60920205) entered an agreed order on her acupuncturist or acupuncture and eastern medicine practitioner license. Rhi must pay a $2,500 fine and complete four hours of law and ethics continuing education. Between September 2022 and June 2023, Rhi’s spouse, who does not hold a Washington state acupuncturist license, treated patients under Rhi’s supervision.

Spokane County

In September 2023 the secretary of health issued a cease-and-desist order to Aimee Denning Hauer (MA00020327). Hauer must permanently cease and desist from practicing massage therapy in the state of Washington and pay a $1,000 fine. In February and March 2023, Hauer practiced massage therapy with an expired license.

In December 2023 the secretary of health granted Marian Alexander Bennett (CO61490534) a license to practice as a substance use disorder professional trainee with conditions on the license. The license will be on probation for three years, during which time an approved professional must supervise Bennett’s practice and submit quarterly performance evaluation reports. In March 2022, Bennett was convicted of simple assault-domestic violence, driving under the influence, and vehicle prowling, all gross misdemeanors. In May 2017 Bennett was convicted of second-degree identity theft and three counts of forgery, all class C felonies.