4 patients infected with hep C due to New York physician's alleged poor infection control practices

The New York State Department of Health is advising patients who received an infusion, injection or blood draw at Tomorrow Medicine's two locations in Westchester County to be tested hepatitis C, hepatitis B and HIV.

New York Commissioner of Health Howard Zucker, MD, ordered the owner of the clinics, Timothy Morley, DO, to cease practicing medicine for violating public health laws and failing to produce records pertaining to a state and local investigation. Local health officials initiated the investigation after four patients treated at Dr. Morley's practice tested positive for the same strain of hepatitis C.

"Dr. Timothy Morley's medical license was suspended following the discovery of a series of inappropriate infection control practices and concerns regarding the preservation, preparation, handling and administration of medication," said the state health department Monday. "The order to immediately cease operation … was issued out of concern that further lapses in infection control practices could put additional patients at risk."

Brad Hutton, New York's deputy commissioner of public health, told The Journal News more than 20 people sought testing as of Tuesday afternoon.

"We think hundreds [may have been exposed] based on the current volume at the practice," Mr. Hutton told the publication.

More articles on infection control: 
D.C. health officials to investigate sewage leaking into ORs at Medstar Washington Hospital Center 
Parasitic infection severity changes with time of infection, study shows 
Electronic alert in pediatric ER ups severe sepsis detection by 13%

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