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Enforcements for Department of Social and Health Services

Case Agency Violation/Result Penalty Amount Laws RCW
2023-061 Department of Social and Health Services

Violation: A former Social Service Specialist 5 with the Department of Social and Health Services, agreed that they may have violated the Ethics in Public Service Act by using their state email account for personal use, to include communication with their spouse, insurance company and to make personal purchases. Evidence also indicated that they made several unnecessary referrals which resulted in a cost to the state.

Result: An agreed Stipulation and Order was entered into on November 8, 2024, imposing a civil penalty of $750.

$750 RCW 42.52.050, RCW 42.52.160
2023-066 Department of Social and Health Services

Violation: A former Social Service Specialist 2, with the Department of Social and Health Services, agreed that they may have violated the Ethics in Public Service Act by using their state cell phone to make over 1,300 personal calls which resulted in overage fees to the state.

Result: An agreed Stipulation and Order was entered on November 8, 2024, imposing a civil penalty of $1,500.

$1,500 RCW 42.52.160
2022-016 Department of Social and Health Services

Violation: A former Security Guard 2 with the Department of Social and Health Services, agreed that they may have violated the Ethics in Public Service Act by using state resources for private benefit or gain and accessing confidential information for non-work-related purposes.

Result: An agreed Stipulation and Order was entered on January 13, 2023, imposing a civil penalty in the amount of $3,500.

$3,500 RCW 42.52.050, RCW 42.52.160
2022-027 Department of Social and Health Services

Violation: A Provider Network Capacity Program Manager at the Home and Community Services Division with the Department of Social and Health Services, agreed that they may have violated the Ethics in Public Service Act by conducting activities that were incompatible with official duties and using state resources for private benefit or gain.

Result: An agreed Stipulation and Order was entered on March 10, 2023, imposing a civil penalty of $2,500 with $1,000 suspended.

$2,500 RCW 42.52.160
2022-037 Department of Social and Health Services

Violation: A former Therapy Supervisor at Western State Hospital with the Department of Social and Health Services, agreed that they may have violated the Ethics in Public Service Act by disclosing confidential information, providing a special privilege and by using state resources for private benefit or gain. Evidence indicated that they used their state issued computer to create and store documents and manuals used for non-work-related purposes and may have shared confidential information outside of their work unit.

Result: An agreed Stipulation and Order was entered on July 14, 2023, imposing a civil penalty of $2,750.

$2,750 RCW 42.52.050, RCW 42.52.070, RCW 42.52.160
2022-038 Department of Social and Health Services

Violation: A former Therapy Supervisor at Western State Hospital with the Department of Social and Health Services, agreed that they may have violated the Ethics in Public Service Act by providing a special privilege and by using state resources for private benefit or gain. Evidence indicated that they used their state issued computer to store documents used for non-work related purposes.

Result: An agreed Stipulation and Order was entered on July 14, 2023, imposing a civil penalty of $500.

$500 RCW 42.52.050, RCW 42.52.070, RCW 42.52.160
2021-008 Department of Social and Health Services

Violation: A Maintenance Mechanic 4, with the Department of Social and Health Services, may have violated the Ethics in Public Service Act when they provided a coworker the use of a state vehicle to commute into the office.

Result: An agreed Stipulation and Order was entered on November 12, 2021 imposing a civil penalty of $500 with $250 suspended.

$500 RCW 42.52.070
2021-009 Department of Social and Health Services

Violation: A Social Services Specialist with the Department of Social and Health Services, may have violated the Ethics in Public Service Act by using state resources for private benefit and gain and accessing confidential information for non-work-related purposes. Evidence indicated that they accessed confidential information and shared that information with someone outside the agency and accessed the internet for personal use.

Result: An agreed Stipulation and Order was entered on November 12,2021 imposing a civil penalty of $2,500 with $750 suspended.

$2,500 RCW 42.52.050, RCW 42.52.070, RCW 42.52.160
2021-024 Department of Social and Health Services

Violation: A former Quality Control Specialst, with the Department of Social and Health Services, may have violated the Ethics in Public Service Act by using state computer resources for their personal benefit or gain. Evidence indicated that they were using their state computer to support their outside real estate business.

Result: An agreed Stipulation and Order was entered on November 12, 2021 imposing a civil penalty of $2,500.

$2,500 RCW 42.52.160
2021-012 Department of Social and Health Services

Violation: Former Case Manager with the Department of Social and Health Services agreed that they may have violated the Ethics in Public Service Act by conducting activities that were incompatible with official duties, provided a special privilege to a client and used state resources to promote a candidate and for personal benefit and gain.

Result: An agreed Stipulation and Order was entered on July 8, 2022 imposing a civil penalty of $5,000.

$5,000 RCW 42.52.020, RCW 42.52.070, RCW 42.52.160, RCW 42.52.180
2021-056 Department of Social and Health Services

Violation: A former Social and Health Program Consultant 4 at the Department of Social and Health Services, may have violated the Ethics in Public Service Act by using state resources for personal benefit and gain. Evidence indicated that they used their state email for personal use and state time to apply for hundreds of jobs, both within and outside of the state, and included an attachment to an application that included confidential information.

Result: An agreed Stipulation and Order was entered on September 9, 2022 imposing a civil penalty of $3,250.

$3,250 RCW 42.52.050, RCW 42.52.160
2020-037 Department of Social and Health Services

Violation: Administrative Assistant 4 with the Department of Social and Health Services used state resources for private benefit and for use in support of their outside business. Evidence indicated that they used their state computer to stream videos, pay bills and to store over 6,000 personal pictures.

Result: An agreed Stipulation and Order was entered on May 14, 2021 imposing a civil penalty of $3,000 with $1,500 suspended.

$3,000 RCW 42.52.160
2020-001 Department of Social and Health Services

Violation: Former Local Government Liaison for the Division of Child Support at the Department of Social and Health Services, may have violated the Ethics in Public Service Act by participating in a contract with an entity as a state employee and then leaving state employment to work under that same contract.

Result: An agreed Stipulation and Order was entered on November 13, 2020 imposing a civil penalty of $2,500.

$2,500 RCW 42.52.080
2020-010 Department of Social and Health Services

Violation: A former Attendant Counselor 1 submitted 24 hours of jury duty leave and did not attend jury duty.

Result: A Final Order of Default was entered on May 14, 2021 imposing a civil penalty of $1,000.

$1,000 RCW 42.52.160
2020-059 Department of Social and Health Services

Violation: Contracts Manager with the Department of Social and Health Services Behavioral Health Administration, may have violated the Ethics in Public Service Act by using state resources for private benefit and gain. Evidence indicated that they synched one or more of personal devices and personal Google account to their work computer and browsed the internet for private benefit to include bill pay, shopping, Facebook and personal email.

Result: An agreed Stipulation and Order was entered on September 10, 2021 imposing a civil penalty of $2,500.

$2,500 RCW 42.52.160
2019-045 Department of Social and Health Services

Violation: A Social and Health Program Consultant with the Department of Social and Health Services, may have violated the Ethics in Public Service Act by using state resources for private benefit and gain by receiving pay for time not worked. Evidence indicated that they were routinely late for work and failed to submit leave for full days off.

Result: An agreed Stipulation and Order was entered on November 13, 2020 imposing a civil penalty of $3,000 with $500 suspended.

$3,000 RCW 42.52.160
2018-009 Department of Social and Health Services

Violation: A Department of Social and Health Services employee may have violated the Act by using state resources for private benefit or gain and by disclosing confidential information to a person not authorized to receive it.

Result: An agreed Stipulation was entered on May 10, 2019 imposing a civil penalty of $4,000 with $1,000 suspended.

$4,000 RCW 42.52.050, RCW 42.52.160
2018-012 Department of Social and Health Services

Violation: A former Department of Social and Health Services employee was found to have violated the Ethics in Public Service Act for using state resources for personal benefit and by taking time off from work without submitting the proper leave slips.

Result: A Final Order of Default was entered on May 10, 2019 imposing a civil penalty of $3,000.

$3,000 RCW 42.52.160
2018-043 Department of Social and Health Services

Violation: A former Department of Social and Health Services employee may have violated the Ethics in Public Service Act by using state resources in support of their outside business.

Result: An agreed Stipulation was entered on July 12, 2019 imposing a civil penalty of $325.

$325 RCW 42.52.160
2018-018 Department of Social and Health Services

Violation: A former Western State Hospital employee may have violated the Act when they used state resources for their private benefit and gain when they frequently accessed Facebook during the workday using their state computer.

Result: A Final Order of Default was entered on July 12, 2019 imposing a civil penalty of $3,000.

$3,000 RCW 42.52.160
2018-063 Department of Social and Health Services

Violation: A former Department of Social and Health Services Financial Services Specialist 5 may have violated the Ethics in Public Service Act by committing welfare fraud over a two-year period when they falsely submitted applications indicating that they were a single parent with five children and was the only source of income.

Result: An agreed Stipulation was entered on November 8, 2019, imposing a civil penalty of $3,250.

$3,250 RCW 42.52.020, RCW 42.52.070
2018-037 Department of Social and Health Services

Violation: A former Financial Services Specialist 5 with the Department of Social and Health Services may have violated the Ethics Act when they attended college during state time and by failing to submit leave.

Result: A Final Order of Default was entered on November 8, 2019 imposing a civil penalty of $3,000.

3,000 RCW 42.52.160
2018-008 Department of Social and Health Services

Violation: A former Department of Social and Health Services employee may have violated the Ethics in Public Service Act when they attended a federally sponsored training and accepted payment in addition to their state salary.

Result: A Final Order was entered by the Board on December 17, 2019, imposing a civil penalty in the amount of $3,000.

3000 RCW 42.52.160
2018-023 Department of Social and Health Services

Violation: A former WorkFirst Program Specialist at the Yakima Community Service Office with the Department of Social and Health Services violated the Ethics in Public Service Act when they approved Additional Requirements of Emergent Need payments to clients who did not meet the requirements. In addition, they used their work email address as their personal email address. Evidence also showed that attachments to personal emails included court and immigration documents which contained confidential information for non-state employees.

Result: A Final Order was entered on October 2, 2020 imposing a civil penalty of $5,000.

$5,000 RCW 42.52.020, RCW 42.52.160
2017-046 Department of Social and Health Services

Violation: A Manager with Federal Funding for the Department of Social and Health Services Children's Administration may have violated the Act when they used state time and resources to conduct out of state peer reviews for a federal contractor and received compensation by the contractor in addition to their state salary.

Result: An agreed settlement was approved on May 11, 2018 imposing a civil penalty of $4,000 with $2,000 suspended.

$4,000 RCW 42.52.110
2017-059 Department of Social and Health Services

Violation: A Department of Social and Health Services employee may have violated several provisions of the Ethics in Public Service Act when they used their position to access a DSHS client database for personal purposes.

Result: An agreed Stipulation was approved on July 13, 2018 imposing a civil penalty of $2,500 with $1,250 suspended.

$2,500 RCW 42.52.050, RCW 42.52.070
2017-075 Department of Social and Health Services

Violation: A Department of Social and Health Services employee, may have violated the Ethics in Public Service Act when they used state vehicles for personal purposes including transporting a family member.

Result: The Board approved a Stipulated agreement on March 8, 2019 imposing a civil penalty of $2,500 with $1,250 suspended.

$2,500 RCW 42.52.070, RCW 42.52.160
2017-023 Department of Social and Health Services

Violation: An employee with the Department of Social and Health Services may have violated RCW 42.52.160 when they used their state computer for their private benefit and gain.

Result: A stipulated agreement was signed on November 17, 2017 imposing a civil penalty of $2,000 with $1,000 suspended.

$2,000 RCW 42.52.160
2017-024 Department of Social and Health Services

Violation: A former Department of Social and Health Services Social Service Specialist may have conducted activities incompatible with their official duties in regard to a DSHS client, that they provided a special privilege to that client and that they used state resources for the private benefit of themselves and another.

Result: An agreed Settlement was signed on November 17, 2017 imposing a civil penalty of $8,000.

$8,000 RCW 42.52.020, RCW 42.52.070, RCW 42.52.160
2017-054 Department of Social and Health Services

Violation: A former employee with the Department of Social and Health Services may have violated the Ethics in Public Service Act when they used state resources to promote their private outside business.

Result: An agreed Stipulation was approved on January 12, 2018 imposing a civil penalty of $2,500.

$2,500 RCW 42.52.160
2017-017 Department of Social and Health Services

Violation: A former Department of Social and Health Services employee may have violated several sections of the Ethics in Public Service Act by using state computer resources for their private benefit and gain. Evidence showed nearly 94 hours of personal interest internet browsing over a ten-week period as well as extensive personal email use.

Result: An agreed Stipulation was approved on May 11, 2018 imposing a civil penalty of $3,000.

$3,000 RCW 42.52.160
2016-054 Department of Social and Health Services

Violation: A Department of Social and Health Services employee used state resources and their position to obtain travel expenses from one of the residential treatment providers to visit several of their treatment facilities after they were advised by management that they could not visit as a DSHS representative.

Result: A settlement was reached on September 8, 2017 imposing a civil penalty of $3,500 with $1,750 suspended.

$3,500 RCW 42.52.070, RCW 42.52.160
2016-024 Department of Social and Health Services

Violation: A Developmental Disability Administrator with the Department of Social and Health Services used state resources to work on outside club activities and to browse the internet for shopping, banking, entertainment and to access their personal email account.

Result: A settlement agreement was approved on March 24, 2017 imposing a civil penalty of $3,000 with $1,500 suspended.

$3,000 RCW 42.52.160
2016-027 Department of Social and Health Services

Violation: A Habilitation Plan Administrator with the Department of Social and Health Services may have violated the Ethics in Public Service Act by using state resources for private benefit and gain.

Result: An agreed settlement was approved on May 12, 2917 imposing a civil penalty of $2,500 with $1,250 suspended.

$2,500 RCW 42.52.160
2016-030 Department of Social and Health Services

Violation: A Habilitation Planner with the Department of Social and Health Services used state resources for private benefit and gain by browsing YouTube videos, Facebook and other personal websites.

Result: An agreed settlement was approved on May 12, 2017 imposing a civil penalty of $2,500 with $1,250 suspended.

$2,500 RCW 42.52.160
2016-043 Department of Social and Health Services

Violation: A former Department of Social and Health Services employee may have violated the Ethics in Public Service Act when they had an inappropriate relationship with a client on their assigned caseload.

Result: A Stipulated agreement was approved by on January 12, 2018 imposing a civil penalty of $5,000

$5,000 RCW 42.52.020
2016-037 Department of Social and Health Services

Violation: A former nursing assistant at Yakima Valley School shared protected health information of two residents when they posted pictures of them on Snapchat.

Result: A Final order of Default was entered on January 12, 2018 imposing a civil penalty of $2,000.

$2,000 RCW 42.52.050
2016-033 Department of Social and Health Services

Violation: A former Application Developer with the Department of Social and Health Services violated the Ethics in Public Service Act when they used their state computer for extensive internet browsing, including viewing pornography, used their state computer for extensive personal file storage, including pornography, and for using their state computer for the personal gain or special privilege of another.

Result: A Final Order was issued on March 13, 2018 imposing a civil penalty of $14,000.

$14,000 RCW 42.52.160
2015-078 Department of Social and Health Services

Violation: An employee with the Department of Social and Health Services may have violated the Ethics in Public Service Act when they used their state computer to browse the internet for non-work-related purposes. Evidence indicated that they used the internet for personal reasons at least 38 days over a 4-month period. In addition, they used the FamLink program for non-work-related personal reasons.

Result: An Order of Default was entered on September 8, 2017 imposing a civil penalty of $3,000.

$3,000 RCW 42.52.160
2015-031 Department of Social and Health Services

Violation: A former Department of Social and Health Services supervisor may have violated the Ethics in Public Service Act when they had an interest that directly conflicted with the proper discharge of their duties and secured a special privilege when they arranged to have their subordinate provide them with free legal services.

Result: A Final Order was issued on January 3, 2019 imposing a civil penalty of $1,000.

$1,000 RCW 42.52.020, RCW 42.52.070
2015-033 Department of Social and Health Services

Violation: A former employee at Department of Social and Health Services may have violated the Ethics in Public Service Act by spending time and computer resources visiting online shopping sites to make personal purchases.

Result: An agreed settlement was approved on November 18, 2016 imposing a civil penalty of $1,000.

$1,000 RCW 42.52.160
2014-022 Department of Social and Health Services

Violation: An employee of the Department of Social and Health Services may have violated the Ethics in Public Service Act when they used state resources for personal benefit. Evidence indicated that they sent and received personal email, visited numerous shopping sites on the internet, downloaded music, picture and movie files.

Result: Settlement approved on November 14, 2014 for a civil penalty of $4,000 with $2,000 suspended.

$2,000 RCW 42.52.160
2014-008 Department of Social and Health Services

Violation: An employee of the Department of Social and Health Services may have violated the Ethics in Public Service Act when they failed to notify their supervisor that their sister-in-law had applied for a position within their department. Evidence indicated that their sister-in-law went through the normal hiring process and was not afforded any special privilege.

Result: Settlement approved on July 14, 2014 for a Letter of Instruction, including a requirement to complete the Ethics Challenge.

Letter of Instruction RCW 42.52.020
2014-006 Department of Social and Health Services

Violation: An employee of the Department of Social and Health Services may have violated the Ethics in Public Service Act by using state internet access for their personal benefit. Evidence indicated that over a 4-month period they used the internet for personal use over 1,000 minutes per month.

Result: Settlement approved on September 12, 2014 for a civil penalty of $2,000.

$2,000 RCW 42.52.160
2014-005 Department of Social and Health Services

Violation: An employee of the Department of Social and Health Service may have violated the Ethics in Public Service Act when they used state resources for their personal benefit and allowed other employees that they supervised to access the internet for their personal benefit.

Result: Settlement approved on September 12, 2014 for a civil penalty of $2,000 with $1,250 suspended.

$2,000 RCW 42.52.160
2014-004 Department of Social and Health Services

Violation: An employee of the Department of Social and Health Services may have violated the Ethics in Public Service Act when they used state resources for their personal outside business as a sports official.

Result: Settlement approved on November 14, 2014 for a civil penalty of $3,000 with $1,250 suspended.

$3,000 RCW 42.52.160
2014-083 Department of Social and Health Services

Violation: A Recreation Supervisor at Echo Glenn may have violated the Ethics in Public Service Act when they used state resources for personal benefit and gain in regard to their involvement in 4-H of Snohomish County. Evidence also found that they entered into a personal contract with a film company for the production of a motion picture based upon the Canine Connection program at Echo Glen in which they would be paid directly by the film company.

Result: An agreed settlement was approved on September 9, 2016 imposing a civil penalty of $8,000 with $4,000 suspended.

$8,000 RCW 42.52.020, RCW 42.52.070, RCW 42.52.160
2013-051 Department of Social and Health Services

Violation: An employee of the Department of the Department of Social and Health Services may have violated the Ethics in Public Service Act when they used state resources for their outside business. Records indicated that although they received a few emails prior to 2010 supporting their outside business, there was no evidence of recent use.

Result: Settlement approved on May 9, 2014 for a Letter of Instruction, including completing the online Ethics Challenge.

Letter of Instruction RCW 42.52.160
2013-049 Department of Social and Health Services

Violation: An employee of the Department of Social and Health Services may have violated the Ethics in Public Service Act when they accepted gifts from a vendor and by participating in a football pool where it was possible to win cash and prizes.

Result: Settlement approved on September 12, 2014 for a civil penalty of $1,500 with $750 suspended.

$1,500 RCW 42.52.150, RCW 42.52.160
2013-048 Department of Social and Health Services

Violation: An employee of the Department of Social and Health Services may have violated the Ethics in Public Service Act when they used state resources to purchase plane tickets and sent over 60 emails to friends and family in a one-year period.

Result: Settlement approved on September 12, 2014 for a civil penalty of $500 with $250 suspended.

$500 RCW 42.52.160
2013-024 Department of Social and Health Services

Violation: An employee of the Department of Social and Health Services may have violated the Ethics in Public Service Act by using state resources for their personal benefit when they submitted false mileage reimbursement claims and when they took time off from work without submitting the proper leave requests.

Result: Settlement approved on July 11, 2014 for a civil penalty of $1,500 and an additional $1,170 in restitution to the Department of Social and Health Services.

$4,750 RCW 42.52.160
2013-017 Department of Social and Health Services

Violation: An employee of the Department of Social and Health Services violated the Ethics in Public Service Act when they used state resources for personal gain. Evidence indicated that they accepted honoraria from pharmaceutical companies to promote their products and used their influence to promote their products to the state.

Result: Settlement approved on May 9, 2014 for a civil penalty of $10,000 with $2,500 suspended.

$10,000 RCW 42.52.160
2012-071 Department of Social and Health Services

Violation: An employee with the Department of Social and Health Services violated the Ethics in Public Service Act when they used their state issued cell phone to place or receive 325 personal calls during a 24-month period of time, for over 1,000 minutes and incurring over $100 in long distance and roaming charges.

Result: Settlement approved on November 8, 2013 for a civil penalty of $3,000 with $1,000 suspended.

$3,000 RCW 42.52.020, RCW 42.52.070
2012-037 Department of Social and Health Services

Violation: An Assistant Fire Chief with the Department of Social and Health Services Special Commitment Center may have violated the Ethics in Public Service Act when they used state resources for personal gain and for using their position to secure a special privilege.

Result: Settlement approved on May 10, 2013 for a civil penalty of $9,000.

$9,000 RCW 42.52.020, RCW 42.52.070, RCW 42.52.160
2012-031 Department of Social and Health Services

Violation: An employee with the Department of Social and Health Services may have violated the Ethics in Public Service Act when they used state resources for private gain by using the state's underground parking garage to store personal vehicles.

Result: Settlement approved on January 11, 2013 for a civil penalty of $4,000 with $2,000 suspended.

$4,000 RCW 42.52.070, RCW 42.52.160
2012-004 Department of Social and Health Services

Violation: An employee of the Department of Social and Health Services may have violated the Ethics in Public Service Act when they used state resources to conduct a personal real estate business and visited other non-work-related websites.

Result: Settlement approved on July 13, 2012 for a civil penalty of $2,000 with $1,000 suspended.

$2,000 RCW 42.52.160
2012-074 Department of Social and Health Services

Violation: A Department of Social and Health Services employee violated the Ethics in Public Service Act when they sold Scentsy Candle products to clients under their control and used their position to sign and approve payments for these candles, personally benefitting from these sales.

Result: An agreed Stipulation was entered on July 11, 2014 imposing a civil penalty of $2,000.

$2,000 RCW 42.52.020, RCW 42.52.030, RCW 42.52.070
2011-031 Department of Social and Health Services

Violation: An employee of the Department of Social and Health Services may have violated the Ethics in Public Service Act when they used their state issued computer to visit sites on the internet which were directly related to their outside employment as an art instructor.

Result: Settlement approved on May 11, 2012 for a civil penalty of $2,000 with $1,000 suspended.

$2,000 RCW 42.52.160
2011-012 Department of Social and Health Services

Violation: An employee of the Department of Social and Health Services may have violated the Ethics in Public Service Act when they used state resources to lobby.

Result: Settlement approved on November 18, 2011 issuing a Letter of Instruction in lieu of a monetary fine.

Letter of Instruction RCW 42.52.160
2011-004 Department of Social and Health Services

Violation: An employee of the Department of Social and Health Services may have violated the Ethics in Public Service Act when they used state resources to further an outside business.

Result: Settlement approved on November 18, 2011for a civil penalty of $250.

$250 RCW 42.52.160
2011-001 Department of Social and Health Services

Violation: A Department of Social and Health Services employee may have violated the Ethics in Public Service Act when they used their state computer to access non-work-related websites and pursue outside business transactions.

Result: Settlement approved on November 18, 2011 for a Civil penalty of $1,000.

$1,000 RCW 42.52.160
2011-036 Department of Social and Health Services

Violation: An employee of the Department of Social and Health Services may have violated the Ethics in Public Service Act when they used their state issued computer to visit sites on the internet and sent/received emails directly related to their outside business as a musician in a local band.

Result: Settlement approved on March 16, 2012 for a civil penalty of $3,000 with $1,500 suspended.

$3,000 RCW 42.52.160
2011-033 Department of Social and Health Services

Violation: A Support Enforcement Officer for the Department of Social and Health Services may have violated the Ethics in Public Service Act when they used state resources for personal gain and to conduct a personal business.

Result: Settlement approved on September 14, 2012 for a civil penalty of $3,000 with $1,500 suspended.

$3,000 RCW 42.52.160
2010-065 Department of Social and Health Services

Violation: A former Department of Social and Health Service, Developmental Disability Division employee may have violated the Ethics in Public Service Act when they worked simultaneously for a private non-profit organization during their scheduled state work hours.

Result: Settlement approved on March 11, 2011for a Civil penalty of $10,000.

$10,000 RCW 42.52.160
2010-004 Department of Social and Health Services

Violation: A Department of Social and Health Services employee at Western State Hospital may have violated the Ethics in Public Service Act when their professional relationships and communications with patients in the performance of their duties constituted solicitations for patients to be placed in their private rental home.

Result: A Final Order was entered on September 14, 2012 with an assessed civil penalty of $300.

$300 RCW 42.52.070
2010-003 Department of Social and Health Services

Violation: A former Department of Social and Health Services employee at Western State Hospital may have violated the Ethics in Public Service Act when they used state resources for personal business gain by sending and receiving non-work-related emails, visiting non-work-related websites, and using state resources for their outside real estate business.

Result: Settlement approved on March 11, 2011 for a Civil penalty of $1,500.

$1,500 RCW 42.52.160
2009-055 Department of Social and Health Services

Violation: A Department of Social and Health Services employee may have violated the Ethics in Public Service Act when they used state resources for personal benefit.

Result: Settlement approved on March 11, 2011 for a Civil penalty of $1,000 with $500 suspended.

$1,000 RCW 42.52.160
2009-029 Department of Social and Health Services

Violation: A Department of Social and Health Services employee may have violated the Ethics in Public Service act when they sent an email to coworkers in which they encouraged them to contact their state representatives to voice their objection to a proposed bill that would raise vehicle license fees.

Result: Settlement approved on July 9, 2010 for a Civil penalty of $500 with $250 suspended.

$500 RCW 42.52.160
2009-014 Department of Social and Health Services

Violation: A Department of Social and Health Services employee may have violated the Ethics in Public Service Act when they used state resources to pursue personal interests.

Result: Settlement approved on May 14, 2010 for a Civil penalty of $500 with $200 suspended.

$500 RCW 42.52.160
2009-013 Department of Social and Health Services

Violation: A Department of Social and Health Services employee may have violated the Ethics in Public Service Act when they used state resources for personal gain.

Result: Settlement approved on November 18, 2011for a Civil penalty of $1,500.

$1,500 RCW 42.52.160
2009-012 Department of Social and Health Services

Violation: A Department of Social and Health Services employee may have violated the Ethics in Public Service Act when they used state resources for personal gain to access websites of personal interest and to place order for their personal business as a Mary Kay Cosmetics consultant.

Result: An Order and Judgment was issued on may 13, 2011 for a Civil penalty of $1,000.

$1,000 RCW 42.52.160
2008-134 Department of Social and Health Services

Violation: A Department of Social and Health Services employee may have violated the Ethics in Public Service Act when they used state resources to pursue personal interests.

Result: Settlement approved on March 12, 2010 for a Civil penalty of $750 with $250 suspended.

$750 RCW 42.52.160
2008-103 Department of Social and Health Services

Violation: A former Department of Social and Health Services employee was found to have violated the Ethics in Public Service Act when they attempted to be appointed the guardian for a DSHS client on their caseload or former caseload, inappropriately shared information with another person regarding a previous case and used DSHS letterhead and fax machine for personal use.

Result: Final Order issued on April 9, 2012 for a Civil penalty of $12,500.

$12,500 RCW 42.52.020, RCW 42.52.040, RCW 42.52.070, RCW 42.52.160
2007-007 Department of Social and Health Services

Violation: A former Department of Social and Health Services employee may have violated the Ethics in Public Service Act by using their agency laptop to send and receive personal email, to store 900 personal pictures and 800 music files and to visit non-work-related Internet sites, including adult-oriented sites.

Result: Settlement approved on June 12, 2009 for a Civil penalty of $6,500 with $2,000 suspended.

$6,500 RCW 42.52.160
2005-041 Department of Social and Health Services

Violation: A Department of Social and Health Services employee may have violated the Ethics in Public Service Act when they used state resources, including the state computer, Internet, time and email for non-work-related purposes.

Result: Settlement approved on September 8, 2006 for a Civil penalty of $750.

$750 RCW 42.52.160
2004-017 Department of Social and Health Services

Violation: A former Department of Social and Health Services Division of Vocational Rehabilitation employee violated the Ethics in Public Service Act when they failed to disclose to their state agency employer their personal and financial interest in a private business to which they were directing clients on their agency's caseload; payments with state funds they authorized for which they and their private business benefited; purchases and car repairs that were made from state funds for which they and their private business benefited and use of the private business' UBI number to avoid paying sales taxes.

Result: Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law and Final Order approved on February 9, 2007 for a Civil penalty in the amount of $6,630.

$6,630 RCW 42.52.160
2004-022 Department of Social and Health Services

Violation: A Department of Social and Health Services Office Chief may have violated the Ethics in Public Service Act when they used their state computer for personal email, banking and accessing personal internet sites.

Result: Settlement approved on April 13, 2007 for a Civil penalty in the amount of $750.

$750 RCW 42.52.160
2003-054 Department of Social and Health Services

Violation: A Former Department of Social and Health Services employee may have violated the Ethics in Public Service Act when they used state resources to engage in outside activities and visited over 1,800 internet sites not related to official duties.

Result: Settlement approved on January 13, 2006 for a Civil penalty of $1,000.

$1,000 RCW 42.52.160
2003-016 Department of Social and Health Services

Violation: A Department of Social and Health Services employee may have violated the Ethics in Public Service Act when they received inappropriate jokes on their state computer and distributed them to coworkers.

Result: Settlement approved on April 9, 2004 for a Civil penalty in the amount of $500. The Board also issued a Letter of Reprimand.

$500 RCW 42.52.160
2003-015 Department of Social and Health Services

Violation: A Department of Social and Health Services employee may have violated the Ethics in Public Service Act when they used state resources and a state provided computer to copy and distribute inappropriate jokes to coworkers via hardcopy and e-mail.

Result: Settlement approved on April 9, 2004 for a Civil penalty in the amount of $500.

$500 RCW 42.52.160
2003-014 Department of Social and Health Services

Violation: A Former Regional Administrator for the Department of Social and Health Services may have violated the Ethics in Public Service Act when they used state resources for personal benefit, used their position as Regional Administrator for personal benefit and for the benefit of others, and removed documents which may have contained confidential information from the agency without the required authorization. They also had a financial interest in their employees; used their position to grant special privileges and solicited and/or received gifts of economic value that could reasonably be expected to influence their actions.

Result: Settlement approved on Septemer 12, 2008 for a Civil penalty in the amount of $5,000 with an additional $3,200 for investigative costs.

$5,000 RCW 42.52.020, RCW 42.52.070, RCW 42.52.140, RCW 42.52.160
2003-121 Department of Social and Health Services

Violation: A Department of Social and Health Services employee may have violated the Ethics in Public Service Act when they used their state provided computer and internet service to access websites related to their condominium, domestic pet and medical sites, Safeco, Mariners, Ticketmaster, music, and department store sites. They also used instant message services to communicate with family members.

Result: Settlement approved on September 10, 2004 for a Civil penalty in the amount of $500.

$500 RCW 42.52.160
2002-053 Department of Social and Health Services

Violation: A Department of Social and Health Services employee may have violated the Ethics in Public Service Act when they used state resources to access at least 63 websites on the Internet relating to sports, jokes, auctions, department stores, automobiles, movies and adult-oriented sites. They also sent personal email containing inappropriate content to coworkers, friends, family and outside agencies.

Result: Settlement approved on July 11, 2003 for a Civil penalty in the amount of $1,500 with $500 suspended.

$1,500 RCW 42.52.160
2002-050 Department of Social and Health Services

Violation: A Department of Social and Health Services employee may have violated the Ethics in Public Service Act when they used materials available to them as a state employee, such as letterhead and a fax machine, to correspond with law enforcement in a manner that implied that their complaint was related to official agency business or concerns.

Result: Initial Order following a Brief Adjudicative Proceeding issued on July 7, 2004 for a Civil penalty in the amount of $25 and $75 for investigative costs.

$100 RCW 42.52.070
2002-047 Department of Social and Health Services

Violation: A Department of Social and Health Services employee may have violated the Ethics in Public Service Act when they used state resources to access their home business and adult-oriented websites.

Result: Settlement approved on September 12, 2003 for a Civil penalty in the amount of $750 with $250 suspended.

$750 RCW 42.52.160
2002-036 Department of Social and Health Services

Violation: A Department of Social and Health Services employee may have violated the Ethics in Public Service Act when they released unauthorized, confidential client information to a private investigative agency owned by a sibling. The employee and the Board agree that they violated the Act and agency policy when they accepted employment as a private investigator and did not obtain agency approval of this employment. The Board further concluded that they also violated the Act because their employment as a private investigator might reasonably have required or induced them to make unauthorized disclosure(s) of confidential information.

Result: Settlement approved on April 9, 2004 for a Civil penalty in the amount of $5,000. The Board also issued a Letter of Reprimand.

$5,000 RCW 42.52.050, RCW 42.52.120
2002-014 Department of Social and Health Services

Violation: A Department of Social and Health Services employee may have violated the Ethics in Public Service Act when they sent or received 41 personal emails during a 90-day period.

Result: Settlement approved on January 12, 2004 for a Civil penalty in the amount of $300 with $300 suspended. The Board also issued a Letter of Reprimand.

$300 RCW 42.52.160
2001-009 Department of Social and Health Services

Violation: A Department of Social and Health Services employee may have violated the Ethics in Public Service Act when they received $2,750 in compensation for five speaking presentations from a pharmaceutical company that engages in business with their state employer.

Result: Settlement approved on February 13, 2004 for a Civil penalty in the amount of $750 with $250 suspended and an additional $500 in investigative costs .

$750 RCW 42.52.120
2000-028 Department of Social and Health Services

Violation: A Department of Social and Health Services employee may have violated the Ethics in Public Service Act when they used state resources to review websites including Dow Jones charts, stockbrokers, sports, news and retail stores.

Result: Settlement approved on November 8, 2002 for a Civil penalty in the amount of $1,000 with $500 suspended.

$1,000 RCW 42.52.160
2000-005 Department of Social and Health Services

Violation: A Department of Social and Health Services employee may have violated the Ethics in Public Service Act when they sent an email to over 23,000 agency staff on their last day of employment promoting their outside business.

Result: Administrative Law Judge issued a Civil penalty in the amount of $200 on March 7, 2000.

$200 RCW 42.52.070, RCW 42.52.160
1999-016 Department of Social and Health Services

Violation: A Department of Social and Health Services employee may have violated the Ethics in Public Service Act when they delayed complying with public records requests due to various factors.

Result: Settlement approved on September 8, 2000 with a Letter of Instruction.

Letter of Instruction RCW 42.52.050
1998-003 Department of Social and Health Services

Violation: A former Department of Social and Health Services employee may have violated the Ethics in Public Service Act when they failed to notify their employing agency and the Health Care Authority of change in marital status resulting in the improper payment of health care benefits for an ineligible dependent totaling $2,709.

Result: Settlement approved on March 12, 1999 for a Civil penalty in the amount of $1,800.

$1,800 RCW 42.52.070