For immediate release: June 12, 2024 (24-067)
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OLYMPIA -- The Washington State Department of Health has taken disciplinary actions or withdrawn charges against the following health care providers in our state.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.
Cowlitz County
In May 2024 the secretary of health granted Wesley Shane Phipps (CG61517427) 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 Phipps must work under an approved supervisor who submits quarterly performance evaluation reports. In November 2020, Phipps was convicted of second-degree assault – domestic violence, a class B felony.
Island County
In April 2024 the Board of Nursing (formerly the Nursing Commission) terminated the probation on the registered nurse license of Karen Marie Murphy (RN60170070).
King County
In May 2024 the Board of Nursing (formerly the Nursing Commission) charged registered nurse Renee M. Osborne (RN00167613) with unprofessional conduct. Charges state that in March 2023, Osborne appeared impaired at work and was taken to the ER where she was found in possession of medication taken from the hospital where she worked. Osborne failed to cooperate with the investigation by not furnishing a written response to the allegations.
Mason County
In April 2024 the Board of Nursing (formerly the Nursing Commission) reinstated the registered nurse license of Rosamond L. Hoover (RN00173669) with conditions on the license. Hoover must continue to comply with a monitoring program.
Pierce County
In May 2024 the Medical Assistant Program amended the statement of charges of unprofessional conduct against certified medical assistant Veronica Irene Wrinkle (CM61048209). The amended statement alleges that in August 2021, Wrinkle administered an injection of Vivitrol without the prescribing health care provider present. The charges also include that the patient sought medical care due to the misplacement of the injection.
In May 2024 the Board of Nursing (formerly the Nursing Commission) charged licensed practical nurse Bakari Shaban Gakere (LP60344117) with unprofessional conduct. Charges state that in February 2023, Gakere had a physical altercation with a patient.
Snohomish County
In May 2024 the secretary of health granted Sandra Ann Marie Pierson (CO61521703) a license to practice as a substance use disorder professional trainee with conditions on the license. The license is on probation for two years, during which time Pierson must work under an approved supervisor who submits quarterly performance evaluation reports. In October 2020, Pierson was convicted of three counts of second-degree identity theft, all class C felonies.
In May 2024 the secretary of health and Armiecosella C. Manivong (CM60889552, ST61333392) entered an agreed order on her certified medical assistant and surgical technologist licenses. Manivong must pay a $1,000 fine and complete a minimum of four hours of continuing education in the area of ethics. In July 2021, Manivong forged a medical letter.
Spokane County
In April 2024 the secretary of health terminated the probation on the certified nursing assistant license of Kristena Elisha Buege (NC61040370).
In May 2024 the secretary of health terminated the probation on the agency affiliated counselor license of Christa LeAnne Hunter (CG61115361).
Stevens County
In May 2024 the secretary of health and Layne Serr (LH00004674) entered an agreed order on reinstatement of her mental health counselor license with conditions on the license. The license is on probation for two years, during which time Serr must work under an approved supervisor who submits quarterly performance evaluation reports, allow audits of at least 10 patient records, and complete a minimum of four hours of continuing education in the area of boundaries.
Thurston County
In May 2024 the secretary of health terminated the probation on the substance use disorder professional trainee license of Joshua Tyler Christensen (CO61260470).
Yakima County
In May 2024 the secretary of health granted Albert Allen Bass (CG61510181) a license to practice as an agency affiliated counselor with conditions on the license. The license is on probation until at least July 5, 2027, during which time Bass must work under an approved supervisor who submits quarterly performance evaluation reports. From March to April 2022, Bass was convicted of third-degree theft on more than one occasion, first-degree criminal trespass, driving under the influence, and shoplifting, all of which are gross misdemeanors. In February 2020, Bass was convicted of fourth-degree assault, a gross misdemeanor.
Out of State
Louisiana: In May 2024 the Board of Nursing (formerly the Nursing Commission) charged registered nurse and advanced registered nurse practitioner Melanie R. Baker (RN60716088, AP60744985-NP) with unprofessional conduct. In November 2023, the Louisiana State Board of Nursing placed Baker’s advanced registered nurse practitioner license on probation for two years. Baker allegedly failed to assess patients at an advanced level, failed to maintain complete records, prescribed highly addictive combinations of controlled substances to patients without any medical rationale, misdiagnosed patients suffering from mental health disorders, and had her DEA Certificate of Registration revoked.
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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