Procedure Challenged
MQAC Letter to Dr. Wright

March 6, 2006

Jonathan V. Wright, MD
Tahoma Clinic
801 SW 16th St.
Renton, WA 98055

Re File #: 2006-01-0043MD

Dear Dr. Wright,

The Medical Quality Assurance Commission has received a complaint alleging a number of procedures your website advertises are inefficacious and/or involve illegal devices. Specifically, Biological Terrain Assessment (BTA); Chelation Therapy as an alternative to vascular surgery; Colonics; IV Ozone and Sensitivity Screening via non-invasive measures.

The Medical Quality Assurance Commission is the entity within State government with legislated authority and responsibility to assure the delivery of safe health care. Under the provisions of RCW 18.130.050, the Washington State Medical Quality Assurance Commission is empowered to investigate all allegations and complaints to determine whether such allegations are substantiated and to take disciplinary or corrective action, if warranted.

Please be advised this is a preliminary investigation only and no charges have been issues in connection with this investigation.

Under provisions of RCW 18.130.180(8), a health care provider shall cooperate by providing a full and complete explanation covering the matter under investigation. The Health Care Information Act, RCW 70.02.050 (2)(a), requires that a health care provider disclose health care information about a patient without patient authorization when the information is needed to determine compliance with state licensure rules or laws.

Under the terms of the laws mentioned, you are asked to provide:

1. A statement of explanation regarding the allegations outlined in paragraph one of this letter. Please provide a detailed statement regarding each of the therapies noted in paragraph one of this letter, that your clinic utilizes. Please focus upon the indications for these procedures themeselves, the validity of the procedure and expected outcome.
2. Please provide detailed documentation to substantiate your therapeutic claims. You may consult with and engage an attorney at your expense to represent you in this matter before making your response. Your response may be used if disciplinary action is deemed necessary. If you wish to have an attorney represent you, please have the attorney file a Notice of Appearance at the address below.

Please submit your response within fourteen (14) days after receipt of this letter. Mail your response to:

James M. Rich
Health Care Investigator III
Department of Health
Investigation Service Unit
P.O. Box 47874
Olympia, Washington 98504-7874

Thank you for your cooperation,

Respectfully,

James M. Rich
Health Care Investigator III
(360)236-4799
Fax (360)586-4573