State revokes, suspends licenses, certifications, registrations of health care providers

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.

Grays Harbor County

In January 2024 the secretary of health revoked the home care aide license of Devan Nicole Wright (HM61086560). In August 2023, Wright was placed on the Department of Social and Health’s registry as a person disqualified from caring for vulnerable adults, juveniles, and children for financially exploiting a vulnerable adult.

King County

In February 2024 the Board of Nursing (formerly the Nursing Commission) and Alisha Maile Taniguchi (RN60136576) agreed to the indefinite suspension of her registered nurse license. Prior to petitioning for reinstatement, Taniguchi must undergo a neuropsychological evaluation. In October 2023, Taniguchi submitted a neuropsychological evaluation that stated that she was unable to practice nursing with reasonable skill and safety due to a current medical condition.

Pierce County

In January 2023 the secretary of health revoked the home care aide license of Tiffany Marie Torres (HM61057389). Between March 2021 and December 2021, Torres used a patient’s debit card to make personal purchases totaling approximately $13,000. In July 2023, Torres was convicted of first-degree theft from a vulnerable adult, a class B felony.

In February 2024 the Board of Physical Therapy summarily suspended the physical therapist license of Ethan Jay Livingston (PT61136608) pending further legal action. In May 2023 the state of Illinois disciplining authority suspended Livingston’s physical therapist license and is prohibited from practicing as a physical therapist in the state of Illinois.

Snohomish County

In January 2024 the secretary of health revoked the home care aide license of Courtney Elizabeth Ricks (HM60938092). Between August and October 2022, Ricks financially exploited a vulnerable adult by using their debit card totaling roughly $2,890.

Spokane County

In February 2024 the secretary of health suspended the certified medical assistant license of Christopher Neil Hatch (CM60626727). Hatch failed to comply with a 2022 Stipulation.

Walla Walla County

In January 2024 the secretary of health amended the statement of charges against registered nurse Todd D. Dressler (RN60389891). Charges state that in October 2023, Dressler was convicted of five felony sex crimes against a minor.

Yakima County

In February 2024 the Board of Nursing (formerly the Nursing Commission) suspended the registered nurse license of Blaine Frank Gutheridge (RN60823407). Gutheridge may not petition for reinstatement for at least seven years. Prior to petitioning for reinstatement, Gutheridge must complete all conditions required by the felony judgment and sentence and undergo a psychological evaluation. Gutheridge must also contact a monitoring program and, if required, enroll in the monitoring program. In June 2020, controlled substances, legend drugs and medical supplies taken by Gutheridge from his place of employment were found in his residence. In March 2023, Gutheridge pled guilty to third degree assault – domestic violence, a felony.

Out of State

Alabama: In February 2024 the Board of Nursing (formerly the Nursing Commission) summarily suspended the registered nurse license of Marina N. Paquette (RN00172273) pending further legal action. In June 2023, the Tennessee Board of Nursing denied Paquette’s application to practice nursing in Tennessee for unprofessional conduct and committing fraud or deceit in efforts to obtain a license to practice nursing.