This article was published by Austin Reed at Apple Valley News on Nov 12, 2025 Updated Nov 16, 2025.
RICHLAND, Wash. — Multiple civil lawsuits are raising questions about patient safety and oversight in women’s healthcare.
The lawsuits center around a longtime Tri-Cities OBGYN, and they claim that both the doctor and the hospital system failed to protect patients. But beyond the legal fight, this is also sparking a conversation about how to rebuild trust in healthcare.
When you make an appointment with your doctor, it's about more than just your schedule. The relationship between patient and doctor should be about respect and above all, trust -- trust that you are getting information or doing things that will help you live a happy and healthy life.
But what happens when that trust is shattered
"My life will never be the same,” said a former patient of Dr. Mark Mulholland, a doctor and surgeon in Richland. “I don't view doctors the same, I don't view medical procedures the same. I question everything and I don't view intimacy the same anymore."
According to the National Institutes of Health, commonly referred to as the NIH, there isn't a lot of data that measures the extent of sexual abuse of patients by their doctors.
The reason?
Abuse goes largely underreported. Patients often times are consumed by guilt, shame, and even shock that it happened to them.
Rosanna Herrera is executive director of SARC in the Tri-Cities. SARC provides advocacy and support to survivors of crime.
"Some may even question themselves and wonder if they are overreacting,” Herrera explained. “Is this something? Should I say anything? Is my feeling valid?"
Another factor the NIH says is that even when sexual misconduct by a licensed physician is reported, very few cases are acted upon.
"That healing journey is different for each person,” Herrera said. “They may not want to go get medical care in the future. They may feel like or prolong accessing medical care because they are worried about their experience."
The topic has been put front and center locally after a Richland doctor and surgeon is under investigation by the Washington Medical Commission after being accused of having inappropriate boundaries and unprofessional conduct, including that of a sexual nature, toward his patients.
For more than two decades, Dr. Mark Mulholland practiced in Richland and was affiliated with Kadlec Regional Medical Center and its Associated Physicians for Women Clinic.
Since July, dozens of women have filed civil lawsuits accusing him of sexual misconduct and performing procedures without consent.
According to the statement of charges from the Washington Medical Commission Dr. Mulholland is accused of commenting about patients' bodies such as “body shaming” them for being overweight, or making sexual comments about body parts like their breasts and vaginas.
Patients say Doctor Mulholland would also comment about their sexual activity at length that didn't relate to a medical purpose and some patients even accuse him of touching, rubbing, or grabbing them inappropriately.
The women involved in these lawsuits say their experiences left lasting trauma. Those claims are now part of the civil filings.
"I tend to be vigilant more so now,” said another former patient. “I've done enough work to understand that this experience isn't isolated."
Attorneys representing the women say these accounts reflect warning signs seen in other states.
I just settled the largest doctor–patient sexual abuse case in Illinois’ history,” said attorney Tamara Holder, who represents some of the former patients of Dr. Mulholland. “My dad lives in Richland. He sent me the article about Mulholland and my phone went off the hook.”
Holder and co-counsel Elizabeth Hanley have filed multiple suits arguing the healthcare system failed to protect patients.
“When you’re giving birth or in an emergency situation, you need to be safe,” Hanley said. “Institutions must make sure the person they send you to won’t take advantage of that.”
It's not just Doctor Mulholland under fire. It's also Kadlec Regional Medical Center. Attorneys for the women say the hospital failed to protect patients and the state medical commission says complaints made about Dr. Mulholland's behavior toward patients and staff were often rationalized, normalized and minimized, meaning patients say they weren't taken seriously.
Kadlec Regional Medical Center declined to comment on the pending litigation, but confirmed Dr. Mulholland is not currently practicing at their clinic.
Dr. Mulholland has not been criminally charged. We asked the Richland Police Department if it has an active investigation regarding Dr. Mulholland. They did not provide specific records but did tell us some records we requested are part of an active investigation.
A 2016 nationwide investigation by the U.S. National Practitioner Data Bank found that for the thousands of medical board orders for doctors who were disciplined for having a sex related offense of a patient since 1999, more than half of them were still licensed to practice.
Furthermore, the same analysis shows that medical boards did not discipline 70% of the physicians who had peer-review sanctions or malpractice payments made on their behalf due to sexual misconduct.
Advocates say even as these cases move through civil court, there’s an urgent need to rebuild trust in healthcare.
"When survivors come to us, they’re often scared and unsure where to start," Herrera said. "We connect them to counseling, legal advocacy, and medical accompaniment so they don’t have to face the system alone."
Statewide, Washington now requires written consent for pelvic exams on unconscious patients. Hospitals are also reinforcing chaperone policies and staff training.
"I'm not just in this for myself,” a former patient of Dr. Mulholland’s said. “I'm in this to speak up for the women who don't want to come forward. Who don't want to speak up. Who are afraid to speak up. Who did speak up but got ignored. Whose complaints somehow disappeared. I want to be all those people's voice."
Bottom line, these lawsuits are about more than one doctor.
They’re about accountability, trust and making sure patient safety is never just a policy on paper.
SARC says anyone who believes they’ve experienced sexual misconduct in a medical setting can call their 24-hour confidential hotline at 509-374-5391.
The lawsuits against Dr. Mulholland are still pending.
The Washington Medical Commission has ordered Dr. Mulholland to restrictions in his practice. He is not to engage in the practice of medicine with any biologically female patients or those who identify as female, including in a consulting role.
Dr. Mulholland's license to practice is currently active
According to a recent article by the Tri-City Herald, the Washington Medical Commission has issued an interim order prohibiting Tri-Cities OB-GYN Dr. Mark Mulholland from treating any female patients amid mounting allegations from more than 100 women who say he sexually abused them under the guise of legitimate medical care. Under the agreement, Mulholland may not provide care to women in any capacity until the licensing charges are resolved.
While Mulholland did not admit or deny the allegations, the Commission’s charges describe a disturbing pattern of behavior between 2022 and 2024, layered on top of more than two decades of patient complaints. Allegations include inappropriate comments about women’s bodies, sexually suggestive remarks, aggressive and unnecessary pelvic exams, and other abusive conduct. According to the Commission, complaints were repeatedly “rationalized, normalized, and minimized,” leading to years of women’s concerns being dismissed by Providence St. Joseph and Kadlec Regional Medical Center.
The licensing order comes as civil and criminal actions continue to mount. At least 18 lawsuits have been filed in King County Superior Court, with patients alleging sexual assault, misconduct during exams, and even forced sterilization. Two criminal complaints have also been filed with the Richland Police Department.
Patients represented in these lawsuits describe a consistent pattern of abuse under the guise of legitimate medical care. Allegations range from inappropriate sexual comments during exams to physical assault, and even cases of forced sterilization. Despite repeated complaints to Kadlec Regional Medical Center and its parent company, Providence, patients say their concerns were ignored or dismissed.
Patients describe a consistent pattern: abuse disguised as medical care, coupled with institutional negligence that allowed Mulholland to continue practicing. These lawsuits aim to hold both Mulholland — and the institutions that enabled him — accountable for decades of harm. And as the cases progress, more women continue to come forward with their stories.
If You Have Information:
If you or someone you know has been mistreated by Dr. Mulholland, we encourage you to reach out to SGB and tell your story. Time to come forward may be limited.
Jane Doe 105 accuses Dr. Mark Mulholland of removing her fallopian tubes without her knowledge; Providence and Kadlec ignored her complaints
SEATTLE - Jane Doe 105 is the latest to file a new lawsuit amid mounting allegations against Dr. Mark Mulholland, a Tri-Cities OB-GYN who practiced for over 20 years at Providence St. Joseph Health and Kadlec Regional Medical Center. Ms. Doe is represented by Elizabeth Hanley and Julie Kline of Seattle’s Schroeter Goldmark & Bender, alongside Tamara Holder of Tamara Holder Law in Chicago.
Jane Doe 105 met Mulholland after being admitted to Kadlec Hospital in 2016 due to severe concerns around her pregnancy, including hypertension and pre-eclampsia, which compromised both her and her unborn child’s health and safety.
Ms. Doe recalls a nurse suggesting tubal ligation as her medical team prepared to deliver her baby via caesarean section. She was reassured that a tubal ligation, more commonly known as “getting your tubes tied” was an entirely reversible procedure, as Ms. Doe had expressly stated she was interested in growing her family further following this pregnancy.
During the procedure, Ms. Doe recalls hearing a nurse over the privacy curtain ask Mulholland why he was performing the tubal ligation in that manner – Mulholland responded, “Insurance pays more this way.”
Following the procedure, Ms. Doe experienced severe complications, including irregular periods, hot flashes, and extreme fatigue, all symptoms consistent with menopause and not expected after a standard caesarean section or tubal ligation.
Nearly ten years later in 2024, Ms. Doe was ready to continue growing her family. After meeting with a fertility specialist, Ms. Doe and her husband’s worlds were turned upside down. The specialist informed them that she would not be able to reverse her tubal ligation, as Mulholland had entirely removed her fallopian tubes. Ms. Doe was left sterilized against her will by Mulholland.
Ms. Doe complained to the hospital, but her complaints were ignored.
“Mulholland’s conduct in this case is unconscionable,” said Hanley. “He took away our client’s right to decide if and when to grow her family, a fundamental right that belongs to every woman. This is not just malpractice; it’s a profound abuse of trust. Providence and Kadlec had every opportunity to stop him, yet they failed, again, to protect their patients.”
Holder added, “This case reveals how a healthcare institution gave a male doctor unfettered power over and access over hundreds of female patients’ bodies over dozens of years. Due to Mulholland’s alleged abuse, our client now lives with the irreversible consequences. We will not rest until we have held every person and institution accountable for turning a blind eye to Mulholland’s conduct.”
Jane Doe 105’s lawsuit accuses the defendants of violating the Washington Law Against Discrimination, corporate negligence by the hospitals, battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
If you or someone you know has information about Mark Mulholland or the institutions where he worked, please reach out as soon as possible. Unfortunately, the amount of time to come forward is limited.
To learn more about the firms’ work representing survivors of abuse and discrimination, visit: sgb-law.com or tamaraholderlaw.com/.
Another Case Alleges Providence and Kadlec Ignored Patient Complaints of Abuse
SEATTLE – Following two similar sexual abuse lawsuits, Jane Doe 102, represented by attorneys Elizabeth Hanley of Schroeter Goldmark & Bender (SGB) in Seattle and Tamara Holder of Tamara Holder Law in Chicago, has filed a lawsuit in King County Superior Court. The complaint contributes to the growing number of female patients coming forward with allegations of physical abuse or sexual abuse by Mark E. Mulholland, a Tri-Cities OBGYN who worked for Providence St. Joseph Health and Kadlec Regional Medical Center, in Richland, Washington, from 1999 through June 2025.
Jane Doe 102 alleges that during an appointment in 2022, Mulholland explicitly asked her about her sex life and noted in her chart that she was a lesbian “and has never been in relationships with men.” During the appointment, a pre-operative meeting before Jane Doe 102’s hysterectomy, Mulholland performed a pelvic “exam” without informed consent and without explaining its purpose. Shoving his fingers inside her, he said, “You’re really tight in there.”
According to Jane Doe’s lawsuit, she worried that if she immediately complained, she risked affecting her upcoming medical care which included a hysterectomy. After surgery, however, she reached out to multiple people within the hospital’s hierarchy, including its CEO, and yet she received no response.
“Not only Dr. Mulholland, but Kadlec Providence, too, have failed these women,” said Hanley. “Had the institution responded properly to complaints by the hundreds of women who raised concerns about the numerous red flags and acts of abuse they experienced, we wouldn’t be in this position begging for answers and justice for so many victims.”
“Providence and Kadlec claim to be ‘the leading health care organization in the region’ while enjoying not-for-profit tax-exempt status. And despite allegedly being “committed to its mission of providing safe, compassionate care,” we have heard from hundreds of women who say this institution has chosen profits over female patient safety. ” Holder added
Jane Doe 102’s lawsuit accuses the defendants of gender-abusive conduct, failure to protect patients, and institutional negligence.
If you or someone you know has information about Mark Mulholland, OBGYN, or the institutions where he worked, please reach out to tamaraholderlaw.com/ or SGB as soon as possible. Unfortunately, the amount of time to come forward is not unlimited.
To learn more about the firms’ work representing survivors of abuse and discrimination, visit: tamaraholderlaw.com/ or sgb-law.com.
MEDIA CONTACTS
press@tamaraholder.com, (312) 440-9000
Kristi@firmani.com, (206) 466-2702
August 7, 2025 -- A new lawsuit led by Jane Doe 100 in King County Superior Court – who is represented by Chicago-based attorney Tamara Holder and Elizabeth Hanley of Schroeter Goldmark & Bender in Seattle – adds to the growing number of female patients who allege they were physically and sexually abused Mark E. Mulholland, a Tri-Cities OBGYN who worked for Providence St. Joseph Health and Kadlec Regional Medical Center, in Richland, Washington, from 1999 through May or June 2025.
Jane Doe 100 alleges that during an appointment in 2022, Mulholland performed a gloveless breast “exam;” he aggressively opened up her legs and shoved a metal speculum into her vagina despite her explicit request for a plastic speculum; he placed his gloveless hand on her inner thigh; he told her something to the effect of, “You’re perfect down there;” and, he touched her shoulder, winked at her, and asked if she was single.
According to Jane Doe’s claim, it wasn’t until she began hearing accounts from other survivors who have come forward to share their stories of sexual abuse at the hands of Mulholland, that she fully realized she, too, is a victim as well.
Even more alarming, Jane Doe 100 further alleges that, since as early as 2003, Kadlec received numerous patient complaints about Mulholland both before and after her appointment, including allegations of unexplained rectal “exams;” fat shaming; gloveless pelvic “exams;” using excessive force and causing pain, bleeding, and unnecessary wounding to female patients’ most private parts of their bodies. Attorneys Tamara Holder and Elizabeth Hanley have extensive experience in securing justice for victims of gender based violence, sexual abuse and harassment. Holder spearheaded the multi- plaintiff litigation against Chicago-area OBGYN and convicted sex offender Fabio Ortega; and Hanley regularly represents survivors in sexual assault and discrimination cases, notably against powerful entities that fail to prevent systemic abuse.
“As a Kamiakin High School graduate, just like Mulholland, I am devastated to learn that, not only did he allegedly abuse so many trusting female patients, but that one of the few medical centers in the area lured women to him, only for them to be violently abused, and then the women were ignored when they complained. We are devoted to not only obtaining justice for our clients but also to exposing how Providence and Kadlec profited off of Mulholland’s alleged sex crimes and abuses of his position of trust and power. I am excited to work with Elizabeth Hanley and try as many cases as we can to ensure that these institutions’ conduct is fully exposed to the community,” said Holder.
“This doctor’s actions represent a horrifying betrayal of trust—and the healthcare institutions that enabled his abuse must also be held accountable. To the survivors who were ignored, dismissed, or silenced: Your courage in coming forward is what will bring justice for Mulholland’s abuse, and will protect others from ever enduring this kind of violation again,” Hanley added.
Jane Doe 100’s lawsuit accuses the defendants of sex-based discrimination, failure to protect patients, and institutional negligence.
If you or someone you know has information about Mark Mulholland or the institutions where he worked, please reach out to tamaraholderlaw.com/ or SGB as soon as possible.
Unfortunately, the amount of time to come forward is not unlimited.
To learn more about the rms’ work representing survivors of abuse and discrimination, visit: tamaraholderlaw.com/ or sgb-law.com.
About Tamara Holder Law: Tamara Holder is an international women’s rights and institutional abuse attorney. Her boutique
practice – Tamara Holder Law – focuses on sex trafcking, doctor-patient sexual abuse, fraternity rape, workplace sexual harassment, and beyond. For nearly a decade, Holder was a Fox News Channel legal analyst. In addition to being a legal and media advocate, she has also testified before Congress, and obtained legislation on behalf of her abused clients.
About Schroeter Goldmark & Bender:
Founded in 1969, Schroeter Goldmark & Bender (SGB) is a nationally recognized law, based in Seattle that holds the most powerful companies, government agencies, and people accountable for their wrongdoing. SGB specializes in representing injured persons in asbestos and mesothelioma, catastrophic injury, brain/spinal cord injury, medical malpractice, unsafe products, wrongful death, sexual assault and harassment, as well as individual and class action employment cases.
