State disciplines health care providers-R20-17
For immediate release: July 8, 2020 (20-122)
Contact: Sharon Moysiuk, Communications 360-549-6471 Public inquiries: Health Systems Customer Service 360-236-4700
State disciplines health care providers
OLYMPIA -- The Washington State Department of Health has taken disciplinary actions or withdrawn charges against health care providers in our state.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 media@wmc.wa.gov.
Information about health care providers is on the agency website. Click on “Look up a health care provider license” in the “How Do I?” 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.
King County
In June 2020 the Dental Commission charged dentist Jerome Robert Baruffi (DE00003355) with unprofessional conduct. Baruffi allegedly didn’t meet the standard of care in treating a patient from whom he extracted teeth, and who subsequently experienced instability and a fall during recovery.
In June 2020 the Unlicensed Practice Program notified Daochao Cui of its intent to issue a cease-and-desist order. Cui allegedly performed massage therapy without a license.
In June 2020 the Certified Behavior Technician Program charged certified behavior technician Erin Elizabeth Damitio (CB60810077) with unprofessional conduct. The certified behavior technician allegedly disclosed methamphetamine use to her employer.
In June 2020 the secretary of health ended probation for mental health counselor Michael F. Vaughn (LH00005701).
In June 2020 the Nursing Assistant Program charged registered nursing assistant and certified nursing assistant Cecilia Wambui K. Simpson (NA60734297, NC60982666) with unprofessional conduct. Following a discussion about Simpson’s personal financial matters, charges say, a patient used her bank card to pay Simpson’s tuition balance of about $639.25.
Spokane County
In June 2020 the secretary of health ended conditions on the substance use disorder professional trainee credential of Kevin Douglas Ahmer (CO60917235).
Thurston County
In June 2020 the Pharmacy Commission ended conditions on the pharmacist credential of Paul Scott McCarty (PH00069734).
In June 2020 the Nursing Commission charged registered nurse Katrina Leanne Vatulko (RN60330799) with unprofessional conduct. In 2019 Vatulko applied to reactivate her license, which expired in 2016. On her application, according to charges, Vatulko disclosed having used methamphetamines and heroin between 2015 and 2017, and disclosed an arrest history. In 2016 Vatulko was convicted of reckless driving.
Yakima County
In June 2020 the Nursing Assistant Program charged certified nursing assistant Llineli Lomeli Rangel (NC60615290) with unprofessional conduct. While working at an assisted living facility, Rangel allegedly accepted a $10,000 check and an uncirculated 1800 silver dollar from a patient, and had possession of the patient’s vehicle. Rangel allegedly didn’t respond to a Department of Health investigator’s request for a written explanation.
Out of State
Florida: In May 2020 the Physical Therapy Board denied a physical therapist credential to Karl F. Voeller (P161031468), who in 2018 was convicted on a federal charge of conspiracy to pay and receive health care kickbacks.
Idaho: In June 2020 the Nursing Commission charged registered nurse Michelle Sarah Rivera (RN00165894) with unprofessional conduct. In January 2020 Rivera surrendered her Oregon registered nurse license. In 2019 Rivera entered a court-mandated treatment program after being found guilty in Idaho of eluding.
Nevada: In June 2020 the Pharmacy Commission ended conditions on the pharmacy technician credential of Kyrstin Annette DeSpain (VA60498374).
Oregon: In June 2020 the Nursing Commission charged registered nurse Susan G. Anderson (RN60013186) with unprofessional conduct. In February 2020 Anderson surrendered her Oregon registered nurse license related to a medical condition.
Oregon: In June 2020 the Unlicensed Practice Program notified Jason Pierce of its intent to issue a cease-and-desist order. Pierce allegedly has no emergency medical technician credential, but used equipment that falls within the scope of an emergency medical technician.
Note to Editors: Health care providers charged with unprofessional conduct have 20 days to respond to the Department of Health in writing. The case then enters the settlement process. If no disciplinary agreement can be reached, the case will go to a hearing.
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