Revising Washington\u27s Corporate Practice of Medicine Doctrine

Current Washington law prohibits the corporate practice of medicine. The courts have interpreted this doctrine to prohibit the employment of physicians by any entity, other than a professional corporation or health maintenance organization, even if the corporation only performs business functions. This Comment discusses the corporate practice of medicine doctrine in Washington and its usefulness in the modem health care environment. It argues that two of the doctrine\u27s underlying justifications are effectuated more sensibly by current regulatory provisions and that the doctrine should be retained only to prevent lay interference with physician autonomy in medical decisions. This Comment recommends that the Legislature amend the Medical Practice Act to clarify the scope of the doctrine and minimize its harmful effects