Washington state law requires public alerts when doctors face misconduct charges — but a KUOW and ProPublica investigation found the system routinely falls short. Announcements can take months, or never come at all, leaving patients in the dark while accused physicians continue practicing. The Washington Medical Commission says it plans to improve transparency.
Washington state is the only state legally required to proactively issue press releases when formal misconduct allegations are filed against a doctor — but a joint investigation by KUOW and ProPublica reveals the Washington Medical Commission is routinely failing to follow through. Announcements can lag by months, or go out only after a case is already resolved, leaving patients unaware that their physician may be under investigation for serious misconduct while still actively practicing.
The investigation uncovered troubling cases: one doctor accused of sexual misconduct with five coworkers went more than 300 days without a public announcement; another accused of inappropriate pelvic exams allegedly harmed an additional patient during the gap between when charges were filed and when the public was notified. More than 80 lawsuits have since been filed in that case alone.
Key Takeaways:
Why it matters: When disclosure systems fail, patients can't make informed decisions about their care — and may unknowingly continue seeing doctors facing serious allegations. Advocates are calling for notifications within 4–5 business days of charges being filed.
