For immediate release: March 9, 2006 (06-038)

Contacts:
Lisa Noonan, Medical Commission Disciplinary Manager 360-236-4791
Donn Moyer, Communications Office 360-236-4076

OLYMPIA ¾ A pediatric physician accused of sexual behavior with several teenage male patients has agreed to surrender his license. The Medical Quality Assurance Commission and the state Department of Health have accepted the voluntary license surrender as part of an agreement with Bill S. Schnall (MD00013259) of Seattle. This action is permanent; Schnall does not have the ability to practice medicine in any capacity. In the agreement, Schnall admits the evidence is sufficient to convince the commission he violated patient boundaries, which constitutes substandard practice and abuse of a patient.

Schnall’s license has been suspended since August 15, 2005. He was charged with patient abuse, inappropriately prescribing certain medications and interfering with the investigation by contacting a patient in a threatening manner after he was told by the agency and the patient to have no further contact.

The final order in the case is available online by clicking the link to "Provider Credential Search" on the Department of Health home page (www.doh.wa.gov/) or by calling 360-236-4700. Anyone who believes a health care provider acted unprofessionally is encouraged to call that number to report their complaint.

The Medical Quality Assurance Commission regulates physicians and physician assistants in Washington. The program establishes, monitors, and enforces qualifications for licensing, consistent standards of practice, continuing competency mechanisms and discipline. Rules, policies and procedures promote the delivery of quality health care to state residents.

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