For immediate release: January 27, 2022 (22-017)
Contact: Sharon Moysiuk, Communications 360-549-6471
Public inquiries: Health Systems Customer Service 360-236-4700
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OLYMPIA -- The Washington State Department of Health has taken disciplinary actions or withdrawn charges against the following health care providers in our state.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 “Look up a health care provider license” in the “How Do I?” 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.
Clark County
In December 2021 the Pharmacy Commission denied the pharmacy assistant license application of Randy Shaquille Gipson (VB61146786). Gipson was convicted in 2016 of attempted child abuse by a Florida court in Seminole County.
King County
In December 2021 the secretary of health denied the registered medical assistant application of Zackery Wayne Iko Rule (MR61201762). Rule was charged with driving under the influence in Renton Municipal Court and did not obtain a substance use evaluation the Department of Health requested as part of the credential application.
In January 2022 the Chiropractic Commission withdrew charges against chiropractor John Babich (CH00002224).
In January 2022 the Home Care Aide Program charged home care aide John William Grieve (HM60644591) with unprofessional conduct. Grieve allegedly administered medication to a client without being designated to by a nurse and appeared undressed before a client.
Pacific County
In December 2021 the Nursing Commission conditionally reinstated the licensed practical nurse license of Kim M. O'Connor (LP00055499), who agreed to continue to participate in a substance use monitoring program. O’Connor’s credential was suspended in 2019 after she tested positive for methamphetamine and did not have a prescription for the medication.
Pierce County
In January 2022 Agency Affiliated Counselor Program and the Nursing Assistant Program charged registered nursing assistant and agency affiliated counselor Paul Thomas Boros (NA00133095, CG60249751) with unprofessional conduct. Boros allegedly engaged in physical contact with a patient at Western State Hospital after the patient blocked his path, attempted to steal his lunchbox, and tore up his medical paperwork.
Thurston County
In January 2022 the Unlicensed Practice Program issued a notice of intent to issue a cease-and-desist order to Samantha Kaczmarek for unlicensed practice as a massage therapist. Kaczmarek allegedly advertised her massage service on social media but has never held a massage therapist credential.
Out of State
Ohio: In December 2021 the Nursing Commission charged registered nurse Rhonda Joy Phillips (RN60105348) with unprofessional conduct after the Ohio Board of Nursing suspended Phillips’ license for pleading guilty to two counts of Deception to Obtain a Dangerous Drug, felonies in the fifth degree.
Oregon: In January 2022 the Nursing Commission ended conditions on the registered nurse license of Angela Genevieve Harman (RN00172828) after she complied with a substance use monitoring program and completed a refresher course.
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.
The DOH website is your source for a healthy dose of information. Find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. Sign up for the DOH blog, Public Health Connection.
###