For immediate release: November 21, 2023 (23-151)
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 October 2023 the Agency Affiliated Counselor Program and Kathryn M. Reinmuth (CG61130488) agreed to the surrender of her agency affiliated counselor license. Reinmuth has no right to reapply for the license or reinstatement.
King County
In September 2023 the Examining Board of Psychology and Lynette Dufton Pullmann (PY60144022) agreed to the suspension of her psychologist license. Prior to a petition for reinstatement, Pullmann must pay a $3,000 fine, pass an ethics course, and undergo a psycho-sexual evaluation. In April 2018, Pullmann allegedly ended a psychological relationship with a client and immediately began a romantic dating relationship with the client.
In October 2023 the Board of Nursing (formerly the Nursing Commission) indefinitely suspended the advanced registered nurse practitioner and registered nurse licenses of Mae Martyn Miskimon (AP60180768-NP, RN00174332). Prior to petitioning for reinstatement, Miskimon must contact a monitoring program and, if required, enroll in the monitoring program.
Kittitas County
In September 2023 the Board of Nursing (formerly the Nursing Commission) indefinitely suspended the registered nurse license of Lysa Rue Hulderson (RN00133842). Hulderson did not comply with a 2023 agreed order by failing to comply with a monitoring program by testing positive for THC in June 2023.
Snohomish County
In September 2023 the Board of Nursing (formerly the Nursing Commission) indefinitely suspended the registered nurse license of Tiffany Kay Frodsham (RN60389890). If Frodsham petitions for reinstatement, terms and conditions may be placed on Frodsham's license, including but not limited to, a period of probation. Between approximately August 26, 2016 and November 20, 2017, Frodsham failed to document patient encounters and nursing care in a school district documentation system and, on at least two occasions, provided transportation to students in non-emergency situations without prior approval from her supervisor.
Whatcom County
In October 2023 the secretary of health indefinitely suspended the home care aide license of Mervyn Arnold Fortune (HM60581912). Prior to petitioning for reinstatement, Fortune must pay a $250 fine and provide a response to the letter of cooperation sent by the Department of Health.
Out of State
Missouri: In September 2023 the Board of Nursing (formerly the Nursing Commission) indefinitely suspended the registered nurse license of Rhalashondra Demika Straughter (RN61293281). Prior to petitioning for reinstatement, Straughter must contact a monitoring program and, if required, enroll in the monitoring program. Straughter must also have a pre-approved health care provider submit an evaluation report regarding Straughter’s mental health/physical status, treatment and prognosis. Straughter must also complete 16 hours of continuing education in the areas of conflict resolution skills, anger management, and stress management. In February 2023, the Colorado Board of Nursing issued an order which resulted in the relinquishment of Straughter’s multistate privilege to practice in Colorado based on her failure to comply with a May 2022 order to submit to a mental and/or physical examination. In March 2023, the Missouri Board of Nursing issued an order revoking Straughter’s RN license.
Oregon: In September 2023 the Board of Nursing (formerly the Nursing Commission) indefinitely suspended the registered nurse license of David Zachary Schaff (RN60190628). Prior to petitioning for reinstatement, Schaff must contact a monitoring program and, if required, enroll in the monitoring program. In November 2022, the Oregon Board of Nursing entered an order placing Schaff’s license on probation for 24 months with terms and conditions that included, among others, that Schaff participate and comply with any treatment recommendations made by an approved evaluator.
In October 2023 the Board of Nursing (formerly the Nursing Commission) indefinitely suspended the registered nurse and advanced registered nurse practitioner licenses of Aaryo Bakhtiar (RN61007950, AP61039993-CRNA). Prior to petitioning for reinstatement, Bakhtiar must contact a monitoring program and, if required, enroll in the monitoring program. In October 2022, the Oregon Board of Nursing entered an order for surrender of Bakhtiar’s CRNA license. Bakhtiar’s RN license was suspended for 15 days followed by probation. The Oregon Board based its action on information it received that included Bakhtiar diverting narcotics from the workplace while working as a CRNA.
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