For immediate release: January 18, 2023 (23-003)
Contact: DOH Communications
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 December 2022 the Agency Affiliated Counselor and Substance Use Disorder Professional Programs and Rachel Johnson (CG61104840, CO60862568) agreed to an order that suspends her substance use disorder professional trainee and agency affiliated counselor licenses. Johnson had a romantic relationship with a patient at the corrections facility where she worked and conducted herself inappropriately.
Douglas County
In December 2022 the Pharmacy Commission suspended the pharmacist license of Chams Eldin Ali (PH60244347). Ali did not respond to an investigators’ request in another case.
Pierce County
In December 2022 the Nursing Assistant Program and certified nursing assistant David O. Clarke-Levy (NC10041523) agreed to an order that suspends his license for at least six months. In August, Clarke-Levy was convicted of unlawful carrying or handling weapons capable of producing bodily harm in Pierce County Superior Court.
Spokane County
In December 2022 the Nursing Commission suspended the registered nurse license of Cheryl Lynn Leavell (RN00120012) for not complying with a substance monitoring program when Leavell tested positive for alcohol on several occasions, failed to complete a requested evaluation, and did not sign a monitoring contract extension.
In December 2022 the Nursing Commission suspended the registered nurse license of Brandelyn Lynette Betts (RN60401556). On multiple occasions between August and October 2019, Betts withdrew controlled substances for patients without documenting its administration. Also, Betts was convicted in 2020 of eluding and possession of a controlled substance in Idaho.
Stevens County
In December 2022 the secretary of health suspended the acupuncturist license of Julie A. Crist (AC00002679). A complaint alleged that Crist was dismissing patients who had received a COVID-19 vaccination and that she had been spreading misinformation about the virus. She did not respond to a request for a statement or charges.
Thurston County
In December 2022 the Nursing Commission suspended the advanced registered nurse practitioner and registered nurse licenses of Laura Helen Burnett (AP60337128-NP, RN60333645). Burnett engaged in a domestic partner relationship with a patient.
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