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used them as multi-dose vials. He reviewed patient records to determine how
many individuals he had to contact. The number ballooned to a staggering
63,000 former patients, enough to fill a football stadium.
"It was on a massive scale — that's why it got so much attention," says Mr.
Labus. The investigation cost the state health department approximately $1 million, but they were able to fine the center only $3,000.
One positive has come from the fallout, however: Campaigns have been
launched in many states to educate caregivers about safe injection practices.
Says Mr. Labus, "It's incumbent on the people running individual facilities to pay
close attention to what's happening daily and ensure staff is doing all they can
to protect patients."
— D.C.
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S U P P L E M E N T T O O U T PAT I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E O N L I N E | D E C E M B E R 2013
