OLYMPIA — The Washington State Department of Health has taken disciplinary actions or withdrawn charges against the following health care providers in our state.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 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.
Information about health care providers is on the agency website. Click on “Health Care Provider Lookup” under the “Find it Fast” 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 March 2024 the Board of Nursing (formerly the Nursing Commission) and Samuel Richard Gavit (RN60813746) entered an agreed order on his registered nurse license. The suspension on Gavit’s license was lifted subject to the following conditions. Gavit must contact a monitoring program and, if required, enroll in the monitoring program, and complete a jurisprudence module. In May 2023 the California Board of Registered Nursing revoked Gavit’s license to practice as a registered nurse in the state of California based on his conviction for driving with a 0.08 or higher blood alcohol.
In March 2024 the Dental Quality Assurance Commission released Anthony James Spinelli (DE60448647) from the terms and conditions on his dentist license.
In March 2024 the Board of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery released Anne L. Coatney (OP00001983) from the terms and conditions on her osteopathic physician and surgeon license.
In March 2024 the Dental Quality Assurance Commission charged dentist John Lee Starks (DE00005377) with unprofessional conduct. Starks allegedly failed to document that he advised patients on opioid-related information such as overdose potential. He also allegedly failed to check patient’s history in the prescription monitoring program before prescribing multiple opiate prescriptions to patients.
Pierce County
In March 2024 the secretary of health granted Timothy Lee Hannon (CG61408192) a license to practice as an agency affiliated counselor with conditions on the license. The license is on probation for at least two years, during which time Hannon must work under an approved supervisor who submits quarterly performance evaluation reports. In June 2019, Hannon was convicted of four counts of second-degree identity theft, all class C felonies.
In March 2024 the Chiropractic Quality Assurance Commission reinstated the chiropractor license of James Calvin LaHoe (CH60114798) with conditions on the license. The license is on probation for at least five years, during which time LaHoe cannot practice as a solo practitioner and he must work as an associate for a chiropractor. LaHoe must also allow for audits of his chiropractic practice and complete 18 hours of continuing education in the area of ethics and boundaries.
In March 2024 the Unlicensed Practice Program notified Michelle S. Ortiz of its intent to issue a cease-and-desist order. Charges state that Ortiz held herself out as a medical assistant and her resume indicates that she has practiced as a medical assistant for about 20 years. Ortiz has never held a medical assistant license in Washington state.
In March 2024 the secretary of health reinstated the substance use disorder professional, agency affiliated counselor, and certified counselor licenses of Bryan David Jeffers-Atkins (CG60277350, CL60284014, CP00006148) with conditions on the license. The licenses are on probation for at least 12 months, during which time, Jeffers-Atkins must work under an approved supervisor who submits quarterly performance evaluation reports.
Snohomish County
In March 2024 the Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission released Jaymes R. Steiber (VA00041199) from the terms and conditions on his certified pharmacy technician license.
In February 2024 the secretary of health denied the emergency medical technician license application of Madison Elyse Van Avery (ES61477317). Van Avery failed to respond to a notice to practice with conditions on the license.
Out of State
California: In March 2024 the Board of Nursing (formerly the Nursing Commission) reinstated the registered nurse license of Zakaria Muigai Chege (RN60886364) with conditions on the license. The license is on probation for at least three years, during which time Chege’s health care employer must submit quarterly performance evaluation reports. Chege must also complete a jurisprudence module.
Canada: In March 2024 the Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission amended the agreed order on the reinstatement of the pharmacist license of Jatinder S. Bhatia (PH00041178). Within 18 months of active credential status, Bhatia must complete 1,500 pharmacy intern hours.
Florida: In March 2024 the Board of Nursing (formerly the Nursing Commission) reinstated the registered nurse license of Patty M. Vatter (RN00159118) with conditions on the license. Vatter must contact a monitoring program and, if required, enroll in the monitoring program.
Missouri: In March 2024 the Social Worker Program charged independent clinical social worker Victoria H. Waddleton (LW00008548) with unprofessional conduct. Charges state that Waddleton engaged in a romantic relationship and lived with a patient.
Texas: In March 2024 the Massage Therapy Program charged massage therapist Alonzo Michael Archer (MA61372245) with unprofessional conduct. Archer allegedly touched a patient in a sexual manner during a treatment session.
