For immediate release: February 29, 2024 (24-022)
Contact: DOH Communications
Public inquiries: Health Systems Customer Service 360-236-4700
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 “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 also encouraged to call and report their complaint.
Grays Harbor County
In January 2024 the secretary of health suspended the registered nursing assistant license of Devan Nicole Wright (NA61075075). Prior to petitioning for reinstatement, Wright must pay a $500 fine and complete six hours of continuing education in the areas of theft awareness and law and ethics. On multiple occasions between September and November 2021, Wright made unauthorized purchases from two patients’ credit and debit cards.
Spokane County
In January 2024 the Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission and Glodi Kingombe Pongo (VB60780264, IR60924702) agreed to the modified order on his pharmacist assistant and pharmacist intern credentials. The licenses will be suspended for at least nine months. In October 2019, Kingombe Pongo was found by Washington State University to have engaged in academic dishonesty and in November 2021 he was terminated from his pharmacy employment for theft and leaving work while clocked in.
In January 2024 the secretary of health and Benjamin Dee Lusk (PT60965272) agreed to the suspension of his physical therapist license. Lusk may not petition for reinstatement for at least one year. Prior to reinstatement, Lusk must pass an ethics course and pay a $1,000 fine. In September and October 2023, Lusk engaged in a sexual relationship with a patient.
Thurston County
In January 2024 the Nursing Assistant Program and Spencer Reed Johnson (NC60301729) agreed to the suspension of his certified nursing assistant license. Johnson may not petition for reinstatement for at least four years. Prior to petitioning for reinstatement, Johnson must pass an ethics course. In August 2023, Johnson admitted to engaging in a sexual relationship with a client.
Walla Walla County
In January 2024 the Nursing Assistant Program summarily suspended the registered nursing assistant license of Robert C. Johnson (NA60242112) pending further legal action. In June 2023, Johnson was placed on the Department of Social and Health Services’ Adult Protective Services long-term care abuse and neglect registry for financially exploiting a vulnerable adult.
Whatcom County
In January 2024 the secretary of health suspended the registered nursing assistant license of Nathaniel M. Miller (NA00125752). Miller may not petition for reinstatement for at least 10 years. Prior to reinstatement, Miller must undergo a psycho-sexual evaluation and pay a $5,000 fine. Miller failed to respond to the statement of charges regarding charges against him of second-degree rape, a class A felony sex offense.
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