For immediate release: March 7, 2023 (23-027)
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 “Health Care Provider Lookup” under the “Find it Fast” 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 also encouraged to call and report their complaint.
Clark County
In January 2023 the Nursing Commission suspended the licensed practical nurse credential of Bryan Scott Richards (LP60431235). Richards was working as a school nurse and was fired after he was involved in several confrontational incidents with school staff and/or students. Richards then became combative and threatened to kill himself. Richards did not respond to an investigator’s letters requesting a written response to these allegations.
King County
In January 2023 the Nursing Commission summarily suspended the registered nurse license of Sara Loren, also known as Sara Serena Houghtaling (RN00140466), pending further disciplinary proceedings. In March 2021, Loren’s New Hampshire nursing credential was suspended. In December 2021, Loren’s Vermont credential was suspended as a result of Loren’s diversion of fentanyl and hydromorphone. In July 2022, Loren’s California credential was revoked.
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