Washington state has a law requiring regulators to issue press releases whenever formal allegations are filed against a doctor, making it the only state with such a proactive disclosure mandate, according to the Federation of State Medical Boards. But an investigation by KUOW and ProPublica found that the Washington Medical Commission frequently fails to alert the public in a timely manner, with some announcements delayed months or not issued until after cases are resolved.
The gap between filing formal charges and public notification has raised concerns about patient safety in cases involving serious allegations, including sexual misconduct and assault.
What the Right Is Saying
Defenders of the current system emphasize due process rights for medical professionals. "Doctors, like all licensed professionals, are entitled to a fair hearing before their reputations are damaged publicly," said Dr. Thomas Kim, president of the Washington State Medical Association. "Premature announcements can destroy practices and careers even if charges are ultimately dismissed."
The association notes that formal allegations are not findings of wrongdoing. Many cases result in dismissals, settlements, or minor sanctions that don't reflect the severity of initial charges.
Conservative legal commentators have argued that mandatory press releases create liability risks for the state when announcements prove inaccurate. Some have suggested that quarterly email digests adequately serve public notice functions without the expense and potential for error inherent in individual press releases for every case.
What the Left Is Saying
Patient safety advocates argue that delays in public disclosure put people at risk. "Patients deserve to know when their doctor is under investigation for serious misconduct," said a spokesperson for the Washington State Patient Safety Coalition. The group pointed to the case of Mark Mulholland, an OB-GYN accused of conducting irregular pelvic exams and making inappropriate remarks. At least one patient has filed suit alleging abuse occurred during the period between when formal charges were filed and when they were announced publicly.
State Sen. Karen Keiser, who has worked on healthcare transparency legislation, said the findings highlight a need for stronger enforcement of existing disclosure requirements. "The law exists precisely so patients can make informed decisions about their care," Keiser said in a statement. "If agencies aren't following the letter of the law, that needs to change."
Organizations representing survivors of medical abuse have called for automatic license restrictions when serious allegations are filed, not just public notice. The National Survivors Legal Network argued that disclosure without action leaves patients vulnerable during investigation periods.
What the Numbers Show
The Federation of State Medical Boards confirms Washington is the only state with a legal requirement for proactive media notification when doctor discipline allegations are filed.
KUOW and ProPublica found that at least 269 days passed recently without subscribers receiving an email announcing new charges against doctors, despite quarterly publication requirements. In one case reviewed by reporters, more than nine months elapsed between filing formal sexual misconduct allegations against Dr. Brooks Watson of Richland and any public announcement.
The Washington Medical Commission's online provider database showed no final decision recorded as of early July for cases that had been pending for extended periods. More than 80 civil lawsuits have been filed against Dr. Mulholland, his former employer Kadlec, and the Providence hospital chain related to alleged misconduct.
State records indicate the commission processes hundreds of complaints annually, with formal charges filed in a fraction of cases. Current law does not specify timelines for public announcements after charges are filed.
The Bottom Line
The investigation reveals a disconnect between Washington's disclosure mandate and its implementation. Patients seeking information through official channels may find no record of serious allegations during periods when doctors continue practicing unimpeded.
The state medical commission did not respond to questions about how it prioritizes announcement timing or whether staffing constraints affect publication schedules. Legislative staff said the law has not been amended since its passage decades ago and was not written with modern communication timelines in mind.
Lawmakers may face pressure to clarify disclosure deadlines or add automatic license restrictions for specific categories of allegations. Patient advocates say any reforms should ensure that serious misconduct triggers immediate action, not just eventual notice.