In a recent development that underlines the importance of strict adherence to infection control practices in healthcare facilities, a group of four patients have instituted a class-action lawsuit against Providence health system and the Oregon Anesthesiology Group. This lawsuit follows a ‘gross negligence’ event where a single practitioner within the healthcare system is believed to have potentially exposed over 2,200 patients to diseases such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV across multiple hospital locations in the Portland metropolitan area. The incident occurred during a period ranging from 2017 to 2023.
In July, Providence health system notified the affected patients recommending them to take blood tests to ascertain the impact. Oregon Anesthesiology Group, aware of the situation since June 2024, acted by dismissing the involved practitioner post an internal investigation. The practitioner, whose identity remains undisclosed, worked across several healthcare facilities including Providence Portland Medical Center, Providence Willamette Falls Medical Center, and Legacy Mount Hood Medical Center before Providence switched anesthesiology providers in November 2023.
The process of identification in the lawsuit only involved the use of initials for the plaintiffs, all of whom reside in Clackamas County. They had all reportedly undergone intravenous anesthesia at Providence hospitals. Up until now, neither Providence or Legacy have identified any infections resulting from the breach. Meanwhile, the lawsuit reveals that two plaintiffs are awaiting results having been tested for hepatitis and HIV. One plaintiff having tested negative, conveyed her concern over the possibility of having contracted a disease owing to certain symptoms over time.
Attorney Adam Polk highlighted the failure in implementing suitable protocols to prevent exposure. Attorney Joe Sauder echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the distress and health concerns experienced by the patients. Providence has refrained from commenting on the pending litigation. The Oregon Anesthesiology Group has yet to respond.
The incident underscores a concerning trend, as data from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention from between 2008 and 2019 cites 66 instances of viral hepatitis outbreaks in healthcare environments. Interestingly, a significant 94% of these instances occurred outside of hospitals. The situation is reminiscent of a previous large-scale potential exposure at a New Jersey surgery center in 2018, which resulted in a class action lawsuit being filed and later settled, paving the way for additional free blood tests for plaintiffs.