State disciplines health care providers (8-26-2026)
For immediate release: August 26, 2026 (26-056)
Contact: DOH Communications
Public inquiries: 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OLYMPIA – The Washington State Department of Health has taken disciplinary actions or withdrawn charges against the following health care providers in our state.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 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, nursing assistants, counselors).
Information about health care providers is on the agency website. View the “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.
Clark County
In May 2026 the Department of Health granted Shyna Shika Chen’s (HM61140089) application for a home care aide credential subject to conditions, including at least one year of probation.
In June 2026 the Department of Health terminated the probation on Allen Wendell Holden’s (MA00022827) massage therapist credential.
In June 2026 the Department of Health charged chiropractor Trevor Wayne Schwanz (CH60664228) with unprofessional conduct. In May 2023, Schwanz allegedly began an inappropriate relationship with a patient. In August 2024, he began a romantic relationship with another patient. Schwanz ended that provider relationship in October 2024, and the two were engaged in December 2024.
In May 2026 the Department of Health granted Alissa Nicole Wilson’s applications for certified peer support specialist (PE70071982) and substance use disorder professional trainee (CO70097712) credentials subject to conditions, including at least two years of probation for each credential.
Cowlitz County
In June 2026 the Dental Quality Assurance Commission and dentist Tatiana Trott (DE60135332) entered an agreed order requiring Trott to pay a $10,000 fine and $3,862.64 in costs, pass a jurisprudence exam, complete 10 hours of continuing education in infection control and undergo unannounced infection control inspections up to three times a year for three years.
Grays Harbor County
In May 2026 the Department of Health charged home care aide Dena Pearl Edwards (HM61020229) with unprofessional conduct. In summer 2024, Edwards allegedly charged a patient $10,000 per month to live in her home, in addition to fees charged by the patient’s care agency. In September 2024, Edwards allegedly took the patient to a bank to withdraw $10,000 and asked to be appointed the patient’s durable power of attorney.
King County
In June 2026 the Veterinary Board of Governors charged veterinarian Teri Linn Byrd (VT00004247) with unprofessional conduct. In May 2022, Byrd allegedly overfed a service dog during a clinic visit, made a neglect report that animal control later determined was unfounded, and shared information about the dog on social media without the owner’s consent. In June 2023, Byrd allegedly attempted to take the dog from its owner without permission and was arrested for larceny following the incident.
In May 2026 the Department of Health denied Anzhelika Wallace’s (CG70083252) application for an agency affiliated counselor credential.
Kitsap County
In June 2026 the Department of Health charged substance use disorder professional trainee Chelsey Marie Howitz (CO61482100) with unprofessional conduct. Between September 2023 and August 2024, Howitz allegedly practiced before receiving her credential, provided services without supervision, and failed to show she was completing the education required for full licensure.
Snohomish County
In June 2026 the Chiropractic Quality Assurance Commission released chiropractor Rodney Joe Dahlinger (CH00002482) from the terms and conditions of a 2023 agreed order and terminated compliance monitoring.
In May 2026 the Department of Health terminated the probation on Amy Lynn Nicholson’s agency affiliated counselor (CG61384146) and substance use disorder professional trainee (CO61510344) credentials.
In May 2026 the Department of Health terminated the probation on Hong Juan Zhang’s (MA60209722) massage therapist credential.
Spokane County
In May 2026 the Board of Nursing Home Administrators terminated the probation on Mark Roderick Scroggin’s (NH60184322) nursing home administrator credential.
In May 2026 the Department of Health charged LucQuan V. Smith (MA60599789) with the unlicensed practice of massage therapy. In February 2025, Smith allegedly performed a massage and advertised himself as licensed, despite never holding a Washington massage therapist credential. The client later reported sexual misconduct to law enforcement.
Stevens County
In June 2026 the Department of Health terminated the probation on Layne Serr’s (LH00004674) mental health counselor credential.
Out of State
California: In April 2026 the Department of Health charged agency affiliated counselor Charnay Dibble Ducrest (CG60856429) with unprofessional conduct. In June 2025, Ducrest allegedly appeared to fall asleep while driving a vehicle for work, then tested positive for a controlled substance the following day.
Colorado: In May 2026 the Department of Health charged massage therapist Anson Blake Kemper (MA61502193) with unprofessional conduct. In May 2024, Kemper allegedly failed to follow proper draping and consent procedures during a massage. In July 2026, Kemper was held in default for failing to respond to the charges.
Idaho: In June 2026 the Department of Health released emergency medical technician Cordelle Anthony Jameson Slinkard (ES61159397) from the terms and conditions of a 2024 agreement and terminated compliance monitoring.
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 no disciplinary agreement can be reached, the case will go to a hearing.
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