Hill Returns to Court Amid Probation Review
Dr. Josiah Hill, the former Olympic Medical Center physician whose career unraveled following allegations of patient misconduct, is set to appear in court again on February 20 at 9:00 a.m. The hearing stems from a motion filed by state prosecutors seeking to revoke or adjust his current probation terms after he reportedly failed to complete a court-ordered fitness-for-duty assessment.
That evaluation was part of Hill’s June 2024 sentence, following his guilty plea to charges involving the assault of six patients—all women—during his tenure at the medical center. Judge Barnhart, who presided over the criminal case, will now consider whether Hill’s noncompliance warrants changes to his probation, potentially including added conditions or even a return to incarceration.
Civil Suit Resolved quietly
While Hill’s criminal case progressed, a parallel civil malpractice lawsuit—filed in 2023—was resolved in June 2024. Judge Brent Basden approved a dismissal with prejudice, effectively ending the case and preventing any future claims against either Hill or Olympic Medical Center. The plaintiff in that matter was represented by Port Angeles-based attorney Lane Wolfley, whose own professional reputation is currently under scrutiny in a separate malpractice action.
What drew additional attention was the lack of transparency surrounding Basden’s ties to both Wolfley and other OMC-affiliated physicians. Though Basden disclosed his close friendship with Dr. Matt Kiddle—a member of the Olympic Medical Physicians Council—during a December 2025 hearing, neither that relationship nor his connection to Wolfley was formally noted in court records at the time he oversaw the Hill malpractice case.
Kiddle, who serves with Basden in a local LDS Bishopric—a leadership body consisting of three men in charge of a congregation—was described by Basden in that 2025 hearing as a “good friend.” Their association extends beyond the courtroom: Basden elaborated on his rapport with Kiddle in depth during a one-hour podcast episode titled *Go Ye Forth – Sharing Latter-day Saint Mission Experiences from Around the Globe*.
Perceptions of Religious Influence
Criticism has grown around Basden’s judicial conduct, with concerns shifting from internal court discussions to broader public discourse. One community observer remarked that Basden’s rulings often reflect personal convictions, particularly those aligned with doctrines that hold conservative views on family structure—such as those concerning divorce. Another commented that the dynamic between Basden and Wolfley evokes a “merger of church and state,” drawing parallels to 19th-century LDS governance, when stake presidents and High Councils sometimes intervened in civil legal matters.
These observations feed into a wider assumption: that Basden, in his role as LDS stake president, has allowed his religious leadership to shape legal outcomes—particularly in cases involving individuals with whom he shares personal or ecclesiastical bonds.
Ongoing Accountability
Hill’s upcoming appearance marks another checkpoint in his path toward accountability. Judge Barnhart’s decision could influence the remainder of Hill’s probation, with potential implications for his ability to resume clinical practice. Further updates are expected following the February 20 proceeding.