State disciplines health care providers

OLYMPIA -- The Washington State Department of Health has taken disciplinary actions or withdrawn charges against the following health care providers in our state.

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 [email protected].

Information about health care providers is on the agency 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 encouraged to call and report their complaint.

Chelan County

In April 2024 the secretary of health released Debra Lee Knappert (NC10009924) from the terms and conditions on her certified nursing assistant license.

Clark County

In April 2024 the Nursing Assistant Program amended the charges of unprofessional conduct against certified nursing assistant Amy Lynn Kreuz (NC60519891). The amended charges state that in October 2023, Kreuz pled guilty to third-degree theft and first-degree attempted criminal impersonation, both gross misdemeanors.

In April 2024 the Board of Nursing (formerly the Nursing Commission) released Jennifer Nicole Hilley (LP60893405) from the terms and conditions on her licensed practical nurse license.

Grays Harbor County

In April 2024 the secretary of health granted Darcy Jean Gibbons (CP61474382) a license to practice as a substance use disorder professional with conditions on the license. Gibbons must continue to comply with a 2023 stipulation to informal disposition. In November 2023, conditions were placed on Gibbons' agency affiliated counselor and substance use professional trainee licenses per a stipulation to informal disposition.

King County

In March 2024 the Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission and Hardik Jentilal Ajudia (PH60580454) entered an agreed order on his pharmacist license. The license is on probation for at least four years, during which time Ajudia's supervisor must submit quarterly performance evaluation reports and conduct controlled substances inventory. During the probationary period, Ajudia may not work as a supervising pharmacist or pharmacist in charge. Ajudia must pay a $5,000 fine and complete six hours of continuing education in the area of law and ethics. Ajudia processed and billed insurance for prescriptions for a patient who is now his wife, without provider approval.

In February 2024 the secretary of health denied the certified nursing assistant license application of Teresia Wanjiku Kiminda (NC61332423). In May 2022, Kiminda was arrested for driving under the influence.

In April 2024 the Massage Therapist Program charged massage therapist Yue Wu (MA60750271) with unprofessional conduct. In March 2023, Wu was found to be out of compliance with a 2022 stipulation by failing to keep proper patient records.

In April 2024 the secretary of health terminated the probation on the registered nursing assistant license of Jacolby Damon Dickens (NA60149632).

Lewis County

In April 2024 the Unlicensed Practice Program notified Betty Jo Kitchen of its intent to issue a cease-and-desist order. Kitchen owned and operated an in-home services agency where she conducted health care for patients and described herself as a home care nurse. Kitchen has never held a registered nurse license in Washington state.

Pierce County

In April 2024 the Board of Nursing (formerly the Nursing Commission) amended the statement of charges of unprofessional conduct against Donald Russell Gifford (LP00043591). The amendment states that in March 2024, Gifford was convicted of indecent liberties, a class B felony, and third-degree assault, a class C felony, that involved patients at a facility where Gifford was employed. Gifford's license is currently summarily suspended.

In April 2024 the secretary of health released Shamyka Shante-Devone Sutton (CO61398536) from the terms and conditions on her substance use professional trainee license.

In April 2024 the Nursing Assistant Program charged certified nursing Assistant Natasha A'asa (NC60190740) with unprofessional conduct. Charges state that in August 2023, A'asa engaged in sexual behavior with a patient.

Snohomish County

In April 2024 the Veterinary Board of Governors reprimanded the veterinarian license of ThomasChristopher Sullivan (VT00004977). Sullivan must complete all requirements of a 2021 agreed order and pay a $2,000 fine. Sullivan did not complete the requirements of a 2021 agreed order by failing to demonstrate completion of an ethics and boundaries program.

Stevens County

In April 2024 the secretary of health granted Matthew Raphael Hulse (LR61523942) a license to practice as a respiratory care practitioner with conditions on the license. For a period of two years, Hulse must work under an approved supervisor who submits quarterly performance evaluation reports. In May 2021, Hulse entered into a deferred prosecution for charges of driving while under the influence, hit and run of an attended vehicle, and operating a vehicle without an interlock device, all gross misdemeanors. In May 2019, Hulse was convicted of driving while under the influence, a gross misdemeanor.

Thurston County

In April 2024 the Massage Therapist Program charged massage therapist Yong Huang (MA60655888) with unprofessional conduct. In July 2023, Huang was found to be out of compliance with a 2023 stipulation by failing to keep proper patient records.

In April 2024 the Board of Nursing (formerly the Nursing Commission) released Jennifer Joline Proctor (RN61057648) from the terms and conditions on her registered nurse license.

Out of State

Oregon: In April 2024 the Board of Nursing (formerly the Nursing Commission) granted KaylanSheehy Young (RN61511369) a license to practice as a registered nurse with conditions on the license. Young must contact a monitoring program and, if required, enroll in the monitoring program. In September 2023, the Oregon State Board of Nursing placed Young's registered nurse license on probation.

In April 2024 the Nursing Assistant Program corrected the statement of charges of unprofessional conduct against certified nursing assistant Tara L. Milburn (NC10065711). The correction is to the date of the following convictions which occurred in September 2022, fourth-degree domestic violence, gross misdemeanor, third-degree assault, a class C felony, and resisting arrest, a misdemeanor.