For immediate release: April 11, 2022 (22-052)
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.
Chelan County
In February 2022 the secretary of health revoked the home care aide license of Israel De Jesus Espitia (HM60808231). He was convicted in 2021 of assault—domestic violence, a felony in Adams County Superior Court.
Pierce County
In February 2022 the secretary of health suspended the license of substance use disorder professional trainee Karin Lynn Escobar (CO60530885). Escobar failed to comply with the conditions of a 2020 agreed order, including those requiring her to submit quarterly reports on her mental health and complete continuing education.
In March 2022 the secretary of health suspended for at least 10 years the registered nursing assistant and home care aide licenses of Joseph Ndungu Njoroge (NA60795700, HM60814101). Njoroge misrepresented himself as a credentialed trainer and provided forged home care aide certificates to at least 10 people from whom he collected money.
Yakima County
In January 2022 the secretary of health suspended for at least five years the mental health counselor license of Jamilyn Rose Ellis (LH60637336). Ellis had a sexual relationship with a client and lied to investigators about it.
Out of State
In March 2022 the Nursing Commission suspended the licensed practical nurse license of Lara C. Williams (LP60299990) after she failed to comply with a substance use monitoring program.
Ohio: In March 2022 the Nursing Commission suspended the license of registered nurse Rhonda Joy Phillips (RN60105348). The Ohio Board of Nursing suspended Phillips’ credential for at least one year after she pled guilty in Ohio to felony charges related to her diversion of medication for her own use.
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