State revokes health aide certification of Moses Lake woman

MOSES LAKE — A Moses Lake woman had her home care aide certification permanently revoked after she was convicted of two counts of third-degree rape of a child.

The revocation of certification held by Austin Drummonds, 27, was announced by the Washington Department of Health on Feb. 19.

The DOH had the option to place sanctions on Drummonds, according to the revocation order issued by the department. “The disciplining authority determined permanent revocation is necessary to protect the public,” the order read.

“Due to the egregious nature of Respondent’s conduct, the public trust in Respondent’s character is compromised beyond repair,” it said. Drummonds had the right to respond to the charges but didn’t, and that made it impossible for DOH to determine if there were mitigating factors, it said.

“Home care aides often work with vulnerable populations who are at risk of mistreatment or abuse due to their isolation or limited ability; Respondent has demonstrated through her conduct that she does not meet the requisite moral fitness to ever work in a position of power or trust with a vulnerable population again,” the report said.

Drummonds can never apply to have the credential reinstated, the report said.

Drummonds was convicted Aug. 20, 2019, in Grant County Superior Court and was sentenced to 30 months in jail. According to Superior Court documents, she admitted to a sexual relationship with an underage male relative of her former boyfriend.

Cheryl Schweizer can be reached via email at [email protected].