For immediate release: May 22, 2024 (24-057)
Contact: DOH Communications
Public inquiries: Health Systems Customer Service 360-236-4700
OLYMPIA -- The Washington State Department of Health has taken disciplinary actions or withdrawn charges against the following health care providers in our state.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 2024 the Board of Nursing (formerly the Nursing Commission) terminated the probation on the registered nurse license of Krystabel Briony Pitts (RN60872558).
Cowlitz County
In April 2024 the secretary of health and Sara Lynn Hutchinson (MA60012256) agreed to placing her massage therapist license on probation. The license is on probation for at least two years, during which time Hutchinson must allow audits of her patient records and practice. Hutchinson must also complete a medical record keeping seminar program. In May 2023, Hutchinson did not comply with a 2022 stipulation by failing to generate treatment records for multiple patients.
In April 2024 the Board of Nursing (formerly the Nursing Commission) charged registered nurse Donna Marie Barkdoll (RN60556352) with unprofessional conduct. Charges state that in February 2024, Barkdoll failed to comply with a stipulation of informal disposition by being discharged from a monitoring program for missed drug screenings and a missed check-in and testing.
King County
In April 2024 the secretary of health granted Mallory Anne O'Day (CG61456572) a license to practice as an agency affiliated counselor with conditions on the license. The license is on probation for three years, during which time O'Day must work under an approved supervisor who submits quarterly performance evaluation reports. In June 2020, O'Day was convicted of multiple counts of second-degree burglary, all class B felonies; second-degree escape, a class C felony; and second-degree vehicle prowl, a gross misdemeanor.
In April 2024 the secretary of health terminated the probation on the medical assistant license of Samantha Lynn McNeff (CM60645833).
Pierce County
In April 2024 the secretary of health terminated the probation on the registered nursing assistant license of Susan Wanjiru Mbuchi (NA60989089).
In April 2024 the secretary of health terminated the probation on the substance use disorder professional trainee license of Duane E. Serrano (CO61200074).
Skagit County
In April 2024 the Chiropractic Quality Assurance Commission ordered that the chiropractor license of Benjamin Joshua Bergevin (CH60278305) be subject to oversight for at least three years. Bergevin must pass an ethics exam, a jurisprudence exam, and complete six hours of continuing education in the area of ethics and boundaries. Between May and December 2017, Bergevin touched two patients in a sexual manner.
In April 2024 the Chiropractic Quality Assurance Commission charged chiropractor Steven M. Rindal (CH00000920) with unprofessional conduct. Charges state that in May 2021, Rindal failed to respond to a letter of cooperation regarding treating patients with an expired license.
Snohomish County
In April 2024 the secretary of health terminated the probation on the agency affiliated counselor and mental health counselor associate licenses of Jodi Lyn Strittmatter (CG60702625, MC60796017).
Spokane County
In March 2024 the secretary of health denied the agency affiliated counselor license application of Tahlyke R. Smith-Chenevert (CG61512358). In October 2020, Smith-Chenevert was convicted of attempting to elude a police vehicle, a class C felony.
Thurston County
In April 2024 the secretary of health terminated the probation on the agency affiliated counselor license of Star Lynn Johnson (CG61267731).
Walla Walla County
In April 2024 the secretary of health granted Brian Dean (SA61439489) a license to practice as a social worker associate advanced with conditions on the license. The license is on probation for at least two years, during which time Dean must work under an approved supervisor who submits quarterly performance evaluation reports. In July 2014, Dean was convicted of communication with a minor for immoral purposes, a gross misdemeanor.
Whatcom County
In April 2024 the Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission charged pharmacist Mark G. Critchlow (PH00017105) with unprofessional conduct. In March 2022, Critchlow was allegedly under the influence of alcohol while at his place of employment.
Out of State
California: In March 2024 the secretary of health denied the certified nursing assistant license application of Maurice Daniel Oulay (NC61248406). In January 2020, the California Board of Registered Nursing revoked Oulay’s California registered nursing license for three years. In November 2020, the Arizona State Board of Nursing indefinitely revoked Oulay’s Arizona registered nursing license.
Oregon: In April 2024 the Dental Quality Assurance Commission released Richard Pao-Yuan Hsu (DE60162881) from the terms and conditions on his dentist license.
Note to Editors: Health care providers charged with unprofessional conduct have 20 days to respond to the Department of Health in writing. The case then enters the settlement process. If no disciplinary agreement can be reached, the case will go to a hearing.
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