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

For immediate release: July 2, 2020  (20-120)

Contact:  Sharon Moysiuk, Communications  360-549-6471 Public inquiries: Health Systems Customer Service  360-236-4700

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 “Look up a health care provider license” in the “How Do I?” section of the Department of Health home page (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.

Asotin County

In May 2020 the secretary of health suspended for at least five years the certified nursing assistant credential of John J. Graves (NC10043616). In 2019 Graves was convicted of two counts of third-degree malicious mischief-domestic violence, and of one count each of disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, third-degree assault-domestic violence, unlawful imprisonment-domestic violence, and second-degree unlawful possession of a firearm.

Benton County

In May 2020 the Nursing Assistant Program charged certified nursing assistant Matthew Mark Trottman (NC60586283) with unprofessional conduct and immediately suspended his credential. The Washington State Department of Social and Health Services determined that Trottman financially exploited a vulnerable adult. Trottman’s placement on its long-term care abuse and neglect registry means Trottman can’t be employed in caring for or having unsupervised access to vulnerable adults.

In May 2020 the Occupational Therapy Board charged occupational therapy assistant Lisa A. Bliss (OC00000213) with unprofessional conduct and immediately suspended her credential. The Washington State Department of Social and Health Services determined that Bliss financially exploited a vulnerable adult. Her placement on its long-term care abuse and neglect registry prohibits her from being employed in caring for or having unsupervised access to vulnerable adults.

Clark County

In May 2020 the Nursing Assistant Program entered an agreement with certified nursing assistant Michael Keith Schultz (NC60280027) that indefinitely suspends his credential. Schultz took for his own use a patient’s narcotic medication. In 2019 Schultz entered a diversion program on charges of unlawful possession of a controlled substance, and third-degree theft.

Island County

In May 2020 the secretary of health indefinitely suspended the dental hygienist credential of Veronica Connolly-Bagshaw (DH00004108). Connolly-Bagshaw didn’t supply proof of having completed required continuing education.

King County

In May 2020 the secretary of health indefinitely suspended the registered nursing assistant credential of Ricardo Dulay Donato Jr. (NA60056380). Donato was placed on the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services’ long-term care abuse and neglect registry following a finding that he neglected a vulnerable adult. Donato can’t be employed in caring for or having unsupervised access to vulnerable adults.

Pierce County

In May 2020 the secretary of health suspended for at least three years the certified nursing assistant credential of Athena M. Gomez (NC10097303). Gomez, who had a romantic relationship with a vulnerable adult patient, used the patient’s credit and debit cards to make unauthorized purchases and charges for her own benefit.

In May 2020 the Nursing Commission charged registered nurse Lauren E. Fowler (RN60951471) with unprofessional conduct and immediately suspended her credential. Fowler’s Montana registered nurse license was suspended in 2019 in connection with drug diversion, forgery, and writing and/or changing physician orders without permission.

In June 2020 the secretary of health suspended for at least two years the registered nursing assistant credential of Ann Niumaana (NA60930482). Niumaana allegedly stole about $30 from a resident of an assisted living facility where she worked.

In May 2020 the secretary of health suspended for at least 10 years the certified nursing assistant credential of Heather Ann Kemper (CM60970802). In 2020 Kemper was charged with first-degree promoting prostitution.

In May 2020 the secretary of health suspended for at least five years the certified nursing assistant credential of Donnell Renee Drake (NC60588200). While working as a caregiver, Drake opened credit card accounts using a client’s identity. She used the accounts to make charges that didn’t benefit the client. The Washington State Department of Social and Health Services, which determined that Drake financially exploited a vulnerable adult, placed her on its long-term care abuse and neglect registry. That renders Drake unable to be employed in caring for or having unsupervised access to vulnerable adults.

In May 2020 the secretary of health indefinitely suspended the home care aide credential of Desarae Tareese Jensen (HM60776561). Jensen didn’t fulfill probationary requirements to reimburse the program for $250 in costs, and to submit employer reports or unemployment declarations.

In May 2020 the Pharmacy Commission entered an agreement with pharmacy technician and pharmacy assistant Roxanne Sasha Rhea Bobb (VA60541652, VB60378469) that indefinitely suspends her credentials. Bobb worked as a pharmacy technician with an expired credential.

In May 2020 the secretary of health indefinitely suspended the certified nursing assistant credential of Emily Kathleen McLean (NC60694856). While working at a senior living facility, McLean took a patient’s narcotic medication for her own use.