The Washington State Department of Health has indefinitely suspended the credential of a Spokane County home care aide following allegations of financial exploitation.
Shannon Marie Treece, who worked as a caregiver for Generations Healthcare in Valleyford, Washington, lost her license in February 2026 after failing to respond to a state investigation into suspected theft.
The Allegations
The investigation began after the DOH received a complaint from the Department of Social and Health Services on October 4, 2024.
According to the state’s charging documents, a patient contacted Treece’s employer on September 27, 2024, to report the suspected theft of her money.
Treece had been issued her active home care aide credential just a few months prior, on June 20, 2024.
Evading the Investigation
Rather than addressing the serious allegations of exploiting a vulnerable patient, state records indicate Treece systematically ignored attempts by investigators to contact her.
Between March and September 2025, a DOH investigator reached out via phone calls, voicemails, first-class mail, and electronic mail.
On September 9, 2025, the investigator finally reached Treece by phone. During that call, Treece confirmed her mailing address, prompting the investigator to send an updated letter of cooperation.
Despite follow-up calls in late September to confirm she received the letter, Treece never provided the required written response to the state.
The Final Order and Lack of Accountability
In December 2025, the DOH escalated the matter by formally serving Treece with a Statement of Charges and a Notice of Your Legal Rights. When she failed to file a response within the legally mandated timeframe, the state found her in default.
On February 20, 2026, a Final Order of Default was issued, indefinitely suspending Treece’s credential. The Review Officer determined that the indefinite suspension was “necessary and sufficient to protect the health, safety and welfare of the public” until she cooperates.
If Treece ever wishes to petition for reinstatement, she must first fully cooperate with the ongoing DOH investigation. This includes providing a full and complete written explanation regarding the original theft complaint that she has thus far evaded.
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