An investigation by The Seattle Times has found that in 282 cases since 2009, state health regulators have taken more than a year to discipline a healthcare provider accused of sexual misconduct.
From the moment officials receive a complaint, they have deadlines laid out in state regulations: 21 days to evaluate the allegations, 170 days to investigate, 140 days to decide whether to bring charges, with more time limits to hold hearings. But these deadlines are largely aspirational and routinely missed.
Health care providers are increasingly contesting disciplinary charges rather than settling, a trend that is drawing out proceedings, according to state health commissions. At times, health officials themselves have busted deadlines trying to build a case. The number of complaints of all types against licensed providers more than doubled from 2009 to 2019, as the number of licensed health care professionals increased by 45%, to nearly 500,000. (Seattle Times)
