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Washington State Department of Health Revokes/Suspends Healthcare Provider Licenses
The Washington State Department of Health has taken action against certain healthcare providers in the state, revoking or suspending their licenses, certifications or registrations. The department has also immediately suspended the credentials of those 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 healthcare professions, including dentists, nurses, and counselors. Information regarding disciplinary action against medical doctors and physician assistants can be found on the Washington Medical Commission (WMC) website. Consumers are encouraged to call and report unprofessional behavior by healthcare providers.
King County
The Podiatric Board and Charles Rui Chieh Chu (PO00000277) agreed to an order in March 2023, requiring him to surrender his podiatric physician and surgeon license and never resume practice in any capacity. In addition, he must pay a $25,000 fee to the Board. The charges against him state that Chu participated in a rebate program without disclosing his financial interest in the referral.
The Counselor Program and Medical Assistant Program have suspended Victoria Mae Brase’s (CG61198947, CO61201298, CM60429714) substance use disorder professional trainee, agency affiliated counselor, and medical assistant licenses. Brase is not permitted to petition for reinstatement for at least four years. Prior to petitioning for reinstatement, Brase must pay a $2,000 fine, attend and pass an ethics course, and if reinstated, will be on probation for at least three years. Beginning in May 2023, Brase engaged in sexual relationships with a patient.
Pierce County
The Pharmacy Commission and pharmacy technician David O Clarke-Levy (VA00047141) agreed to an order in March 2023 that suspends his license. Clarke-Levy may not attempt to reinstate his license for two years and, prior to reinstatement, must complete eight hours of continuing education in the area of anger management. In 2023, Clarke-Levy was convicted of unlawfully carrying a weapon capable of producing bodily harm.
Out of State
The Nursing Commission summarily suspended the license of registered nurse Nilka Diaz (RN61193297) in Florida in March 2023. In December 2023, Diaz was prohibited from practicing in the state of California after being found negligent and incompetent in her care of an ICU patient.
In Utah, the Chiropractic Commission summarily suspended the license of chiropractor Brandon Steven Slaugh (CH60960132) in February 2023. Slaugh may not petition for reinstatement of his license for at least two years, must pay a $5,000 fine, and undergo a complete psycho-sexual evaluation by a psychiatrist or mental health specialist pre-approved by the Commission. In January 2023, Slaugh had sexual contact with a patient and, in February, inappropriately massaged a second patient’s gluteal muscles and then accessed her patient records to send her a personal email.
Information on healthcare providers’ license status, expiration and renewal dates, disciplinary actions, and copies of legal documents issued after July 1998 is available on the agency’s website. Consumers may also call 360-236-4700 to report unprofessional behavior by healthcare providers.
