For immediate release: March 29, 2022 (22-044)
Contact: Sharon Moysiuk, Communications 360-549-6471
Public inquiries: Health Systems Customer Service 360-236-4700
OLYMPIA -- The Washington State Department of Health has revoked or suspended the licenses, certifications, or registrations of the following health care providers in our state. The department has also immediately suspended the credentials of people who have been prohibited from practicing in other states.
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’s website. Click on “Look up a health care provider license” in the “How Do I?” section of the Department of Health home page (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 also encouraged to call and report their complaint.
Clark County
In March 2022 the secretary of health suspended the medical assistant-phlebotomist license of Brandon Richard Cullen (PC60886045). Cullen collected a blood sample and a fee from a patient, but the lab never received the sample and Cullen failed to respond to investigators’ request for an explanation.
In March 2022 the secretary of health suspended for at least five years the home care aide license of Kristi Marie Weiker (HM60451387). Weiker diverted narcotics and controlled substances from two patients and made unauthorized purchases with a patient’s credit card.
King County
In February 2022 the Nursing Commission suspended the registered nurse license of Tarra Lanae Vega (RN00161226). Vega failed to comply with a substance use monitoring program.
Snohomish County
In March 2022 the Massage Therapist Program suspended the massage therapist license of Mei Hong (MA60230300). She failed to ensure that employees performing massages had valid credentials and displayed their licenses.
Out of State
Oregon: In March 2022 the Nursing Commission suspended the registered nurse license of Susanne C. Benthin (RN00095600) after the Oregon State Board of Nursing placed her license on probation for at least 24 months with conditions to monitor her practice and sobriety.
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