In January 2024, counselor Madison Kay Taber agreed to voluntarily surrender her professional license after receiving allegations of crossing professional boundaries with numerous patients. The case raises significant questions around striking a balance between preserving patient safety and showing compassion, but also around how even the smallest misunderstanding could lead to a similarly grave professional outcome for the careers involved.   

Have you received professional misconduct accusations? Don't delay in calling the Lento Law Firm on 888.535.3686 or reaching us online – allegations require swift action.  

Crossing Professional Boundaries 

In July 2023, the Washington State Department of Health suspended Taber's license following various accusations of misconduct while she worked as an agency-affiliated skills coach and counselor at the now-closed Daybreak Youth Services, a mental health treatment center for young people.  

The accusations, dating back to 2021, included a variety of behaviors deemed to cross professional boundaries and fall below the expected standard of care. Such accusations included: 

• Staying on after her shift to spend time with patients 
• Hugging patients for a prolonged period 
• Giving patients gifts, such as jewelry  
• Spending time with one patient in private after “lights-out”  

It's further alleged that Daybreak failed to address these concerns despite repeated complaints about Taber's behavior.  

The High Cost of Misconduct Accusations 

Taber is now unable to practice as an agency-affiliated counselor in Washington again. This will, undoubtedly, have a significant impact on her career in the long term. And for other professionals, the case serves as a stark reminder of how vital it is to prioritize patient safety and carefully consider how your behavior is likely to be perceived. Even if your actions are entirely innocent and well-meaning, the mere suggestion of any behavior which may be deemed a little too caring, or too involved, could lead to serious disciplinary action. 

Such action is not limited to license suspension or revocation. It also includes reprimands, mandatory counseling and education, restricted duties, and fines. But in all cases, disciplinary action always has the potential to wreak havoc on your career in the long term.  

Protecting Yourself from Accusations 

Whether it's losing out on promotion opportunities – or losing your livelihood entirely – it's crucial that you protect yourself from misconduct accusations. Here are some suggestions applicable to all healthcare professionals.  

• Avoid being too casual. Always retain professional boundaries and decorum.  
• Document or write down everything that happens during a patient interaction.  
• Always consider how others might perceive your conduct and behave accordingly.  
• Direct patients to your office, where possible, rather than seeing them in their own room or somewhere casual. 
• Be prepared to transfer a patient immediately but sensitively, if you have concerns that they may be overly friendly or reliant on you.  

Have you already been accused of misconduct? The Lento Law Firm Professional License Defense Team can help. Our experienced attorneys understand how critical this issue is – and we'll do everything possible to have the accusations dismissed or the punishment mitigated.  

Don't fight this battle alone. For advice and representation following professional misconduct complaints, call the Lento Law Firm on 888.535.3686 or talk to us online.