For immediate release: March 4, 2024 (24-024)
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.
Benton County
In January 2024 the secretary of health suspended the registered nursing assistant license of Yesenia Adi Chavez (NA60241434). Chavez may not petition for reinstatement for at least five years. Prior to petitioning for reinstatement, Chavez must pay a $1,000 fine. Chavez neglected residents in an adult family home she owned, including in November 2021 the failure to transfer and death of a patient.
Chelan County
In January 2024 the secretary of health and Julie Ann Johnston (NA61170961) agreed to the indefinite suspension of her registered nursing assistant license. Prior to petitioning for reinstatement, Johnston must contact a monitoring program and, if required, enroll in the monitoring program. Johnston admitted to driving a car with passengers after consuming alcohol.
Franklin County
In January 2024 the secretary of health and Madison Kay Taber (CG61220029) agreed to the surrender of her agency affiliated counselor license. Taber agreed to never resume practice as an agency affiliated counselor in Washington state. While working as a skills coach at Daybreak Youth Services in Spokane, Taber practiced below the standard of care in her treatment of clients. Taber allegedly crossed professional boundaries with several clients, including sexual contact.
King County
In December 2023 the secretary of health indefinitely suspended the certified nursing assistant license of Joseph O. Ombura (NC60212223). Ombura failed to comply with the terms and conditions of the 2022 agreed order.
Pierce County
In June 2023 the secretary of health indefinitely suspended the certified nursing assistant license of Crystal M. Schmitt (NC10081208). In July 2022, Schmitt admitted to a patient’s family that she had been stealing narcotics from the patient.
Snohomish County
In January 2024 the Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission indefinitely suspended the pharmacy technician license of Jennifer Myngoc Waltman (VA60715403). Prior to reinstatement, Waltman must comply with a monitoring contract. In December 2021 and in February 2022, Waltman was terminated from her place of employment due to diversion of oxycodone medication.
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