WA sues Providence Health for discriminating against pregnant and nursing workers

OLYMPIA — Washington Attorney General Nick Brown filed a lawsuit Wednesday against Providence Health and Services, alleging the state’s largest healthcare provider systematically denied legal accommodations to pregnant and nursing employees.

The lawsuit, filed in King County Superior Court, claims Providence violated the Healthy Starts Act and the Washington Law Against Discrimination. Investigators say that since 2021, employees – including many nurses – were denied basic needs such as more frequent sitting, limits on heavy lifting, and private spaces to express breast milk.

The Attorney General’s Office clarified that these allegations apply to all Providence facilities and affiliates statewide, including Providence St. Mary Medical Center in Walla Walla.

“A health care provider like Providence should know better,” Brown said, noting that the $10 billion-revenue giant allegedly retaliated against those seeking help by terminating them or assigning harder duties. In some cases, employees waited a month for responses while being forced to work without accommodations.

Providence expressed disappointment in the state’s decision to sue, maintaining that it is committed to workplace support.

“We strive to fully apply and comply with all relevant federal, state, and local laws,” said Emily Volland, a Providence communications director. Volland added that while the organization engaged in discussions with the state, the Attorney General’s Office “refused to share meaningful information” that would allow Providence to address individual concerns.

The state seeks damages for affected workers and a court order to halt the alleged practices. Current or former employees who experienced discrimination are encouraged to contact the Civil Rights Division of the Washington Attorney General’s Office.

File photo of Providence St. Mary Medical Center in Walla Walla

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Elkhorn Media Group