Each state has its own set of statutes and regulations on licensing doctors, accommodating patients who wish to file complaints, and releasing information about physicians who have been subject to discipline and legal action. On this page, we’re sharing the key findings regarding New Mexico, which we will continue to update as the series progresses.
Key fact: Disciplinary actions posted by the Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners and Medical Board only go back to 2011.
“Recommendation was made … to issue a summary suspension of physician’s medical license based on imminent danger to the public, and simultaneously issue a notice of contemplated action based on, but not limited to, sexual contact with patients and conduct likely to harm.”
— Minutes of the March 17, 2016 meeting of the New Mexico Medical Board involving two doctors. The board’s meeting records don’t name physicians who are the subject of disciplinary matters.
Walden was accused of molesting inmates at state correctional facilities in the guise of performing prostate examinations. Nurses were among those who told the medical board of concerns, saying that he seemed to single out inmates in their 20s and 30s.
The first complaints were filed in 2010, but the inmates’ complaints were deemed “hearsay” and no action was taken.
In 2013, the board suspended him and set out terms if he ever were to return to practice.
As of January 2016, a total of 78 inmates claimed they were abused. The Department of Justice opened a criminal investigation of alleged civil rights violations, and at least 15 lawsuits have been filed in the case, several of which were settled out of court, according to news reports.
Multiple efforts to reach Walden for comment were unsuccessful.
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