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OLYMPIA -- The Washington State Department of Health has taken disciplinary actions or withdrawn charges against the following health care providers in our state.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 January 2024 the Board of Nursing (formerly the Nursing Commission) charged registered nurse Whitney Marie Irwin (RN60227469) with unprofessional conduct. Charges state that in June 2023, Irwin entered a referral contract requiring her to sign a monitoring contract after she tested positive for cocaine on a drug test. In August 2023, Irwin was discharged from the monitoring program for failing to complete her substance use disorder evaluation in a timely manner.

Clark County

In December 2023 the Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission released Debra Sue Seitz (VB61161192) from the terms and conditions on her pharmacy license.

Douglas County

In January 2024 the Nursing Assistant Program charged registered nursing assistant Jessica G. Soria (NA61428238) with unprofessional conduct. In June 2023, Soria was suspended from her job because she allegedly borrowed $500 from a patient and had not paid them back.

King County

In January 2024 the Mental Health Counselor Program, Substance Use Disorder Professional Trainee Program, and MaLeigha Miller (CO61211020, MC61207378) entered an agreed order on her substance use disorder professional trainee and mental health counselor associate licenses. The licenses are on probation for at least 24 months, during which time Miller must work under an approved supervisor who submits quarterly performance evaluation reports. Miller must also allow unannounced audits of patient records at least three times per year during the probationary period. Additionally, Miller must complete a professional boundaries course and pay a $500 fine. In November 2021, Miller entered a romantic and physical relationship with a patient.

Mason County

In January 2024 the Agency Affiliated Counselor Program, Substance Use Disorder Professional Program, Mental Health Counselor Program, and Laurie Catherine Romey (MC61271356, CG61099199, CO61125607) entered an agreed order on her agency affiliated counselor, substance use disorder professional trainee, and mental health counselor associate licenses. Romey must contact a monitoring program and, if required, enroll in the monitoring program. In May 2021, Romey entered an order granting deferred prosecution on a DUI charge. Between August 2022 and December 2022, Romey relapsed by drinking alcohol on multiple occasions.

Pierce County

In January 2024 the secretary of health terminated the probation on the mental health counselor license of Pamela Rose VanDerDoes (LH60853457).

In January 2024 the secretary of health granted Melissa Ann Sams (CG61450908) a license to practice as an agency affiliated counselor with conditions on the license. The license is on probation for at least four years, during which time Sams must work under an approved supervisor who submits quarterly performance evaluation reports. In March 2019, Sams was convicted of attempted unlawful possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver, a class B felony. In May 2022, Sams was convicted of possession of a controlled substance, a class B felony.

In January 2024 the secretary of health terminated the probation on the agency affiliated counselor license of Diana Nichole Docher-Dunkley (CG61270330).

Snohomish County

In January 2024 the Board of Nursing (formerly the Nursing Commission) released Beverly B. Sumanti (RN61484385) from the terms and conditions on her registered nurse license.

In January 2024 the secretary of health reinstated the registered nursing assistant license of Fatou Camara (NA60555948) without conditions or limitations on the license.