State suspends nursing assistant’s license after alcohol-related incident
The Washington State Department of Health has placed indefinite suspension on the credential of a registered nursing assistant following allegations he reported to work while under the influence of alcohol and failed to formally respond to disciplinary charges.
Records show the individual, identified as Christopher Bernard Otieno, worked at an adult family home in Federal Way from mid-June to early July 2024. His tenure concluded on or about July 3, when staff observed him appearing intoxicated upon arrival for his shift.
After his termination, state investigators initiated an inquiry. Otieno submitted a written statement in response to a Letter of Cooperation, providing context for the incident. His April 28, 2025, submission confirmed he had consumed alcohol before beginning his duties that day.
Based on findings gathered during the review, the Department of Health formally lodged accusations against Otieno on March 17, 2026, citing unprofessional conduct. The charges referenced state law RCW 18.130.180, which identifies ongoing misuse of alcohol by licensed practitioners as grounds for disciplinary action.
Formal notice of the charges and a summary of legal rights were delivered to Otieno on April 8, 2026. He had thirty days to respond—either by filing an answer or requesting a formal hearing—before the May 5 deadline passed.
With no response received from Otieno by the Adjudicative Clerk’s Office, the Review Officer moved forward without a contested hearing. A Final Order of Default was entered on May 20, 2026, resulting in the suspension of his registration to work as a nursing assistant.
Under the order’s terms, Otieno was required to return all issued credentials to the Nursing Assistant Program within ten days and bear expenses tied to implementation of the disciplinary action.