People across the country saw a recent episode of “Last Week Tonight with John Oliver” which included a segment of mostly critical commentary about state medical boards across the nation. Some of that criticism is certainly fair. Oliver also noted that many boards are understaffed and underfunded.  We at the Washington Medical Commission can see how the public perception could be negative when considered without local context.

So how does your Washington Medical Commission (WMC) compare to the model presented on the show? The WMC has six public commissioners, and our most recent chair was a Public Member. Our Policy Committee, where all policies and guidelines clarifying medical practice in Washington are developed, is chaired by a Public Member. We have two Physician Assistant Commissioners, and they have full rights of membership just like our Public Members.  Our 21-member commission takes our code of ethics seriously and continues to work towards promoting equitable and fair judgments.

The WMC has a staff of 62 who are working daily to protect public health. Our fastest disciplinary action was 8 days, and our investigations take approximately 3 months. At the WMC we license doctors within three to four weeks, faster than any other state in our region.

The WMC doesn’t sit on our laurels on issues that impact the public but require leadership. And, the WMC supported groundbreaking legislation that makes reproductive fraud a unprofessional conduct and a crime.

Additionally, Washington state citizens have extra access to gathering the licensing and potential disciplinary history on state licensees though the Provider Credential Search. While those interested in seeing a national perspective can access a free database of physician licensure and discipline information through DocInfo.org.

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The Washington Medical Commission promotes patient safety and enhances the integrity of the medical profession through licensing, rulemaking, discipline, and education. Learn more about the commission at wmc.wa.gov. Follow the WMC on Facebook and Twitter.