Washington Law Requires Public Alerts for Doctor Misconduct, But Implementation Falls Short

Washington state has a unique law that mandates the public notification of formal allegations against doctors accused of misconduct. Unlike other states where patients must seek out information themselves, Washington's regulators are legally required to issue press releases whenever an investigation results in official charges being filed against a physician. However, a recent examination by KUOW and ProPublica reveals significant delays and inconsistencies in the enforcement of this law.

For instance, Brooks Watson, a Richland doctor accused of making nonconsensual sexual contact with five coworkers over several years, had formal allegations filed against him on August 19, 2025. Yet, it took nearly nine months for any public announcement to be issued regarding his case. This delay left patients unaware of the serious misconduct allegations while Watson continued to practice medicine.

Similar issues were highlighted in the case of Mark Mulholland, an OB-GYN accused of conducting irregular pelvic exams and making inappropriate remarks. Despite formal charges being filed against him, he was allowed to continue seeing patients until public notification occurred months later. During this period, at least one patient alleged further abuse by Mulholland.

These delays raise concerns about the effectiveness of Washington's proactive disclosure law in protecting patient safety. The lack of timely alerts can leave vulnerable individuals exposed to potential harm from accused medical professionals who remain licensed and active in their practices. While the legal framework is commendable for its intent, the execution appears inadequate, prompting questions about the need for stricter enforcement mechanisms or additional measures to ensure prompt public awareness.