Washington State authorities have indefinitely suspended the license of a Spokane County home care aide amid claims of financial exploitation.
A caregiver formerly employed by a Valleyford-based home health provider lost her credential in February 2026 after she failed to engage with a state inquiry concerning allegations of theft.
The Allegations
The Department of Health launched an investigation after receiving a referral from the Department of Social and Health Services on October 4, 2024. State charging documents indicate that a patient contacted the caregiver's employer on September 27, 2024, to report that funds had been taken from her.
The caregiver had received her active home care aide credential shortly before the incident, on June 20, 2024.
Evasion of Inquiry
State records show that the caregiver systematically ignored attempts by investigators to contact her regarding the allegations of exploiting a vulnerable patient.
Between March and September 2025, a Department of Health investigator attempted to reach her through telephone calls, voicemails, first-class mail, and electronic mail. The investigator eventually connected with the caregiver by phone on September 9, 2025. During that conversation, she confirmed her mailing address, and the investigator subsequently sent an updated letter requesting cooperation.
Despite follow-up calls in late September to verify receipt of the letter, the caregiver did not provide the required written response to the state.
Final Ruling
In December 2025, the Department of Health formally served the caregiver with a Statement of Charges and a Notice of Your Legal Rights. Because she failed to file a response within the legally mandated timeframe, the state found her in default.
A Final Order of Default was issued on February 20, 2026, indefinitely suspending her credential. The Review Officer determined that the indefinite suspension is “necessary and sufficient to protect the health, safety and welfare of the public” until she cooperates.
To petition for reinstatement, the caregiver must first fully cooperate with the ongoing Department of Health investigation. This includes providing a full and complete written explanation regarding the original theft complaint that she has thus far evaded.