The WMC has restricted the medical license of Kristine S. Brecht, MD (00044369) and placed her license on probation. Dr. Brecht failed to meet the standard of care in several ways including but not limited to hiring improperly licensed personnel, lack of supervision of mid-level personnel, inadequate use of anesthesia, inappropriate prescribing of opioids, benzodiazepines and muscle relaxers, violation of WMC's pain management rules, inadequate post-operative care, and failure to maintain adequate medical records.

On August 4, 2021, the WMC entered an Agreed Order with Dr. Brecht that places her on probation and permanently restricts her ability to do the following:

• performing procedures that require sedation without a physician anesthesiologist or a certified registered nurse anesthetist to provide sedation and anesthesia,
• supervising physician assistants,
• delegating the management of her pain management and primary care practice.

Dr. Brecht has the following indefinite restrictions which she may petition the WMC to remove after an acceptable evaluation:

• prescription of Schedule II-IV controlled substances
• perform procedures that require sedation.

The order requires completion of skills and competency evaluations, continuing medical education (CME) courses, ongoing compliance audits, and development of a staff licensing protocol.

Dr. Brecht may petition to have to have the indefinite restrictions modified after completing a clinical competency assessment including following the evaluators’ recommendations, an opioid prescribing CME, and a scholarly paper on current pain management rules. Dr. Brecht must assume all costs for complying with this order.

Legal documents in this case are available online by visiting the Washington Department of Health Provider Credential Search website.

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**This notice is intended to comply with RCW 18.130.110.

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