How to get help

What is sexual misconduct?

A SEATTLE TIMES SPECIAL REPORT

MISCONDUCT DATABASE

Search a detailed database of health-care professionals charged with misconduct.

Search records by: Name County License type
View all records

THE STATE'S PROBLEM

• Weak regulation fosters more abuse
• A victim's voice: "You feel so alone"
• An abuser's road to remorse
• Probe prompts changes by state

TODAY

• Biggest number of offenders are "registered counselors"

TUESDAY

Predators in the system

GRAPHICS

• How sexual-misconduct complaints move through the system
• Who does the most harm
• The state's role in the flawed system
• What it takes to be a counselor

RESOURCES

• How to get help
• Health Professions Complaint Form [PDF]

Any sexual or romantic behavior, physical or verbal, between a health-care practitioner and a patient, or a patient's representative. It can occur inside or outside the professional setting.

Warning signs

The practitioner:

• Lacks a private area in which the patient can undress.

• Refuses to provide a chaperone, or allow a family member or friend to be present.

• Does not use surgical gloves during physical exams.

• Makes unusual personal disclosures.

• Offers to meet outside the office.

How to check a provider's Washington disciplinary record

For a record of disciplinary actions and complaints call the quality-assurance program at 360-236-4700. Or go online to http://www.doh.wa.gov and click on "Provider Credential Search."

What to do

Anyone may report professional misconduct by contacting the Health Department at 360-236-4700.