For immediate release: March 4, 2020  (20-028)

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.

Clark County

In February 2020 the Nursing Commission charged registered nurse Eric Lance Burke (RN00151570) with unprofessional conduct and immediately suspended his credential. In 2019 Burke surrendered his Oregon nurse license after it was suspended in connection with allegations of narcotics diversion.

King County

In February 2020 the secretary of health indefinitely suspended the certified nursing assistant credential of Saba Mesfia Muluneh (NC60940234). After determining that Muluneh neglected a vulnerable adult, the state Department of Social and Health Services placed her on its long-term care abuse and neglect registry. That means Muluneh can’t be employed in caring for or having unsupervised access to vulnerable adults.

In February 2020 the secretary of health permanently revoked the registered nursing assistant credential of Sipu Julius Suluai (NA60425235). In 2019 Suluai was convicted of two counts of third-degree child molestation.

Kitsap County

In February 2020 the secretary of health suspended for at least five years the certified nursing assistant credential of Antoine E. Murkins (NC10092383). In 2018 Murkins was convicted of one count of third-degree assault with allegation of domestic violence, and two counts of violations of a court order with allegations of domestic violence. Murkins didn’t respond to a Department of Health investigator’s inquiry.

Lewis County

In February 2020 the Midwifery Program filed an amended statement of charges against midwife Laura A. Hamilton (MW00000041), and entered an agreement with Hamilton under which she surrendered her credential, never to resume the practice of midwifery in Washington. Based on her physical condition, Hamilton believes she is no longer able to practice midwifery with reasonable skill and safety.

Pierce County

In February 2020 the secretary of health indefinitely suspended the certified medical assistant credential of Denetra Ali (CM60364904), who didn’t respond by the deadline to a Department of Health inquiry about a complaint lodged against her.

Snohomish County

In February 2020 the Nursing Assistant Program charged registered nursing assistant Bubacarr Am Sillah (NA60666784) with unprofessional conduct and immediately suspended his credential. 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.

Out of State

Indiana: In February 2020 the Nursing Commission indefinitely suspended the registered nurse credential of Tammy Gail Meyer (RN60425197). In 2019 Meyer was subject to restriction, suspension, surrender, or revocation of her nurse licenses in Wisconsin, Louisiana, Virginia, Connecticut, Missouri, California, and Mississippi.

Missouri: In February 2020 the Nursing Commission charged registered nurse Tina Maria Sumner (RN60931504) with unprofessional conduct and immediately suspended her credential. In 2019 Sumner was convicted in Missouri of two counts of second-degree statutory rape, and one count of tampering with a victim in a felony prosecution. That same year Sumner’s Ohio and Missouri nurse licenses were revoked, and she surrendered her Alaska nurse license.