For immediate release: August 11, 2022 (22-123)
Contact: Sharon Moysiuk, Communications 360-549-6471
Public questions: Health Systems Customer Service 360-236-4700
OLYMPIA — The Washington State Department of Health has taken disciplinary actions or withdrawn charges against the following health care providers in our state.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 Division of Health Systems Quality Assurance works with boards, commissions, and advisory committees to establish licensing standards for more than 80 health care professions (eg, 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.
Benton County
Information about health care providers is available on the agency’s website. Click on “Search for a health care provider license” in the “How do I?” section of the Department of Health website (doh.wa.gov). The site includes information on a health care provider’s license status, their credential expiration and renewal dates, 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 has acted unprofessionally are encouraged to call and report their complaint.
In July 2022 the health secretary conditionally granted a professional trainee license for substance use disorder to Hannah Elizabeth Cowin (CO61291072). Cowin agreed to the conditions, which include probation for 24 months, professional supervision, and quarterly performance reports. In 2017, Cowin was convicted of possession of a stolen vehicle and possession of a controlled substance in superior court. Read also : The federal office focused on the impacts of the climate crisis on health has no permanent staff or funding. In 2016, she was found guilty of three counts of theft.
Clallam County
In May 2022 the health secretary conditionally granted an agency-affiliated consultant’s license to Tricia Elizabeth Tyner, also known as Tricia Elizabeth Tyner-Longhorn, (CG61203426). Tyner agreed to the terms, which include a two-year probation, professional supervision, and quarterly performance evaluations. In 2018, Tyner was convicted of identity theft in California Superior Court.
Clark County
In July 2022 the Dental Commission ended probation on the dentist license of Abel Luis Riojas (DE00010763). On the same subject : I am a Neuro Nurse: 10 Ways to Improve Your Brain Health Daily.
Jefferson County
In July 2022 the Nursing Assistant Program charged certified nursing assistant Roberto Zitri Espinoza Vargas (NC60996291) with unprofessional conduct. Vargas allegedly abused a vulnerable adult who was a patient in the locked memory care unit of an assisted living facility where he worked. Read also : A state committee is holding a hearing on youth mental health. The charges state that Vargas falsely told the patient, who suffered from dementia, that his family was dead, and the patient had killed them. Vargas also allegedly pushed, pulled, choked, and forcibly restrained the patient against his will by lying on top of him.
King County
In July 2022 the health secretary withdrew the charges against independent social worker Shannon M. Tierney (LW00007915).
In July 2022 the Unlicensed Practice Program notified Therese A. Henning (MA00012801) of its intent to issue a cease and desist order for allegedly practicing massage without a license and advertising to provide massage services.
In July 2022 the Pharmacy Commission charged pharmacy assistant and technician Mark Alan Schultz (VB60802080, VA60968405) with unprofessional conduct. Schultz allegedly took merchandise from the pharmacy where he worked, including two bottles of Alprazolam, a controlled substance.
In July 2022 the secretary of health completed the probation on the license of an affiliate registered agency of Luther Armane Mitchell-Walker (CG61072042).
Kitsap County
In July 2022 the health secretary completed the probation on Wakila Monique Rankin’s nursing license (NC60335443).
Pacific County
In July 2022 the Massage Therapy Program charged massage therapist Matthew Richard Timmons (MA60171973) with unprofessional conduct. He did not respond to an investigator about a complaint alleging Timmons practiced massage with an expired license.
Pierce County
In July 2022 the Nursing Commission charged registered nurse Liza A. Johnson (RN00150962) with unprofessional conduct. Johnson reportedly disclosed criminal convictions for burglary and theft, after she submitted a reactivation application for her license.
In July 2022 the Nursing Commission charged licensed practical nurse Michael Angelo Vidal (LP61041061) with unprofessional conduct. Vidal was convicted of fourth-degree assault – domestic violence in Pierce County District Court, after Vidal assaulted his son.
In July 2022 the Nursing Commission charged registered nurse Nicholas Christian Keller (RN60261908) with unprofessional conduct. Keller allegedly diverted oxycodone from his workplace to his personal use.
Snohomish County
In July 2022 the Nursing Commission charged licensed practical nurse Kristi Marie Auckland (LP60270286) with unprofessional conduct. Auckland allegedly diverted controlled substances from several facilities where she worked. In January 2021, Auckland was convicted of driving under the influence in Lakewood Municipal Court.
Spokane County
In July 2022 the Dental Commission and dentist David G. Myaskovsky (DE00007078) agreed to an order requiring Myaskovsky to pay a fine of $5,000, pay restitution of $5,469, take additional continuing education in record keeping, and examines ethics and boundaries, among other things. Myaskovsky practiced under the standard of care.
Thurston County
In July 2022, the secretary of health reinstated Thomas Francis Begley’s certified nursing assistant license (NC60167880).
Out of State
In July 2022 the Board of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery withdrew the charges against physician and osteopathic surgeon Karolyn Kay Moody (OP60734187).
California: In July 2022 the Dental Commission ended probation on the dentist license of Yang H. Kim (DE60541477).
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 a disciplinary agreement cannot be reached, the case goes to a hearing.
