For immediate release: June 21, 2022 (22-089)
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.
King County
In May 2022 the secretary of health suspended the registered nursing assistant license of Sheri Lynn Ingraham (NA60823861). Ingraham smelled of alcohol and passed out while working a shift at a supported living facility.
In May 2022 the Nursing Commission suspended the licensed practical nurse credential of Shirley Onyeamechl Okpalobi (LP60699826). Okpalobi misrepresented her education to obtain a registered nurse license. Okpalobi also misrepresented facts during an investigation by the Nursing Commission.
In May 2022 the secretary of health suspended for at least 10 years the emergency medical technician license of Andrew J. Sapier (ES00124094). In March 2021, Sapier was charged with two counts of attempted rape of a child and one count of communication with a minor for immoral purposes in Pierce County Superior Court. His license was temporarily suspended in January.
Mason County
In May 2022 the secretary of health suspended the home care aide license of Tracy Ree Pasic (HM60752843). Pasic worked under the influence of alcohol while providing care to a patient through an in-home services agency.
Out of State
California: In April 2022 the Nursing Commission charged advanced registered nurse practitioner and registered nurse Gerald Michael Baltz (AP61002050-NP, RN61002076) with unprofessional conduct after the California Board of Registered Nursing revoked Baltz’s registered nurse license, nurse practitioner certificate, nurse practitioner furnishing certificate, and psychiatric mental health nurse certificate based on findings that Baltz engaged in an intimate relationship with a former psychiatric patient and provided substandard care for that patient.
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