dr. wilkinson v washington medical commission

In Wilkinson et al v. Rodgers, Silent Majority Foundation sued the Washington Medical Commission (WMC) on behalf of three Washington-licensed doctors: Dr. Rick Wilkinson (Yakima), Dr. Richard Eggleston (Clarkston), and Dr. Ryan Cole (Boise, ID). Each plaintiff was prosecuted by the WMC for COVID-19 misinformation/disinformation and for prescribing Ivermectin under the WMC’s COVID-19 Position Statement. 

SMF challenged the WMC’s issuance of the COVID-19 Misinformation Position Statement, noting it violated the First Amendment, in an effort to STOP these actions by requesting a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO). Judge Thomas Rice denied the TRO based on his belief that the WMC’s Position Statement is not enforceable as it says that it “may” be enforced. Additionally, Judge Rice declined to decide the merits of the case as each Dr.’s license was in the middle of an investigation by the WMC, requiring the federal court to abstain from deciding the merits UNTIL the WMC’s process was completed. After discussing the matter with our clients, SMF determined not to appeal, although we did raise a challenge on behalf of two of the Drs. in Benton County Superior Court (WA State Court) alongside Dr. Renata Moon and Dr. Michael Turner (see: Turner v. WMC in our medical freedom litigation section). 

In RE: License of Dr. Richard Wilkinson, SMF represented Dr. Wilkinson to challenge and appeal the Washington Medical Commission (WMC) findings and disciplinary action taken against Dr. Wilkinson for his treatment of COVID-19 with Ivermectin and for his discussion of the treatment on his blogs and in a public meeting. The WMC deemed these activities “act[s] of moral turpitude” and claimed that Dr. Wilkinson took an “extremely unbalanced look at COVID-19, downplaying the seriousness of COVID-19.” After a 5-day hearing in April 2023, the WMC issued an Order placing Dr. Wilkinson’s license on Probation for 5 years, restricting his ability to prescribe ivermectin for COVID-19, and requiring him to complete a competency (reeducation) course. Dr. Wilkinson was also given a $15,000 fine. We appealed this decision, and the matter is fully briefed before the Washington State Court of Appeals, awaiting a hearing. 

The WMC’s regulation of Dr. Wilkinson’s speech and treatment of patients necessitated our appeal. SMF’s representation of Dr. Wilkinson stands for a global fight to preserve our rights to free speech (including the ability to hear dissenting opinions) and Dr. Wilkinson’s ability to treat patients with his knowledge and understanding. These rights MUST be protected to continually protect OUR medical freedom.