Washington Law Says to Alert the Public When Doctors Are Accused of Misconduct

6 hours ago

Washington state law uniquely requires proactive public notification about doctors facing formal disciplinary charges, but implementation is often delayed or inadequate.
The Washington Medical Commission frequently delays press releases or uses limited email lists, sometimes for months, failing to promptly inform the public about serious misconduct allegations.
Cases like Dr. Brooks Watson (sexual misconduct allegations) and Dr. Mark Mulholland (irregular pelvic exams) show patients were potentially harmed due to delayed public notifications.
The commission acknowledges room for improvement in transparency and plans to refine its notification processes to enhance public accessibility.
State Rep. Gerry Pollet criticizes the commission for not complying with the law's intent for quick, public news releases, considering budgetary measures to enforce compliance.
Legal experts note the commission's email notifications lack meaningful detail (e.g., no charge descriptions) and may not fully meet legal requirements despite technical compliance.
A review found multiple cases where notifications were sent months after charges or only after resolution, with some allegations never publicized, allowing doctors to continue practicing.
Advocates argue for faster, broader notifications (e.g., to patients) to protect public safety, emphasizing that serious charges warrant immediate public awareness.

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