For immediate release: May 12, 2020  (20-065)

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 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.

King County

In March 2020 the Nursing Assistant Program indefinitely suspended the certified nursing assistant credential of Judy W. Kinuthia (NC10097494). While employed at a skilled nursing facility, Kinuthia reported for work while under the influence of alcohol. She didn’t respond to a health care investigator’s inquiry.

In March 2020 the secretary of health suspended for at least five years the respiratory therapist credential of Erica N. Dimmer (LR00003506), who diverted controlled substances for non-therapeutic use by forging a physician’s signature and Drug Enforcement Administration number.

Pierce County

In March 2020 the Veterinary Board indefinitely suspended the veterinary medication clerk credential of Amber C. Hoffer (VM60846537). When Hoffer visited a veterinary practice for a job interview, she took a $100 bill from the cash register – a theft captured on video and reported to police. Hoffer paid back the money after police intervened. When Hoffer applied for her credential, she didn’t inform the board she had been charged with felony misappropriation of postal funds, nor did she inform the board of her subsequent conviction about three weeks after she received her license. Hoffer, who didn’t reveal to her prospective employer that she was on federal probation for the felony conviction, didn’t respond to a request for information.

In March 2020 the secretary of health suspended for at least two years the certified nursing assistant credential of Semira Ahmed Hussien (NC10029618). After finding that Hussien neglected six vulnerable adults, the state Department of Social and Health Services placed her on its long-term care abuse and neglect registry. Hussien can’t be employed in caring for or having unsupervised access to vulnerable adults.

Snohomish County

In March 2020 the secretary of health indefinitely suspended the massage therapist credential of Michaela Larsen (MA60280158), who didn’t complete required continuing education.

In March 2020 the secretary of health indefinitely suspended the registered nursing assistant credential of Bubacarr Am Sillah (NA60666784). The state Department of Social and Health Services determined that Sillah neglected a vulnerable adult. His placement on its long-term care abuse and neglect registry bars him from being employed in caring for or having unsupervised access to vulnerable adults.

Spokane County

In March 2020 the Nursing Commission suspended the registered nurse credential of David D. Primm (RN00168794), who didn’t fulfill a requirement to participate in a substance abuse monitoring program.

In March 2020 the secretary of health indefinitely suspended the registered nursing assistant credential of Ryan Andrew Haskell (NA60881492). Haskell, who had an intimate relationship with a resident at the facility where he worked, violated employer policies about using and disclosing confidential information.

Walla Walla County

In March 2020 the Agency-Affiliated Counselor Program entered an agreement with agency-affiliated counselor Shauna Calkins (CG60164147) under which she surrendered her credential. Calkins engaged in a romantic relationship with a client who was an inmate she met through her employment with the Department of Corrections.