Patients in Oregon may have been exposed to HIV, hepatitis after possible protocol violation

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – More than 2,000 patients from two Portland-area hospitals might have been exposed to several types of infections after a physician possibly violated hospital protocols, Oregon health officials and Providence and Legacy health systems announced Thursday.

In a statement, the Oregon Health Authority said its healthcare-associated infection program is working with Legacy Mt. Hood Medical Center in Gresham and Providence Willamette Falls Medical Center in Oregon City on their investigations into the breached practices.

In the announcement, a spokesperson for Providence said the hospital recently learned that a physician, who has not been publicly identified, may not have followed Providence's infection control practices during some procedures at Portland-area hospitals including Providence Willamette Falls Medical Center, Providence Portland Medical Center, and other non-Providence hospitals.

Providence did not detail which protocols might not have been followed, but said the physician put patients at low risk of exposure to infections including hepatitis B and C, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

The physician was employed by the Oregon Anesthesiology Group (OAG), which no longer provides services for Providence, the hospital system spokesperson said, noting the physician no longer works for OAG either.

Providence said the hospital is notifying about 2,200 patients seen at Providence Willamette Falls Medical Center along with two patients seen at Providence Portland Medical Center by mail or a MyChart notification about their possible exposure to the infections.

"Out of an abundance of caution, we are encouraging these patients to get a blood test to screen for the aforementioned infections, at no cost. If a patient tests positive, Providence will reach out to discuss their test results and next steps,” Providence said in a statement. “Patient safety is our number one priority, and our patients have our full commitment to a thorough review of this issue and appropriate action.”

As of Thursday's announcement, OHA said the agency is not aware of any reported illnesses associated with the breach.

"Oregon Health Authority acknowledges the worry, pain and loss suffered by anyone affected by a health care-associated infection (HAI) — an infection acquired while they are receiving care in a hospital or other health facility. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about one in 31 hospital patients in the U.S. has at least one HAI on any given day. HAIs can have devastating impacts for patients as they can increase the length of stay, delay recovery from illness, cause emotional stress, and can lead to sepsis or even death. OHA’s response to HAIs can involve different divisions with separate consultative and regulatory functions," OHA said.

The state health agency further added, "While news of this infection control breach at Legacy Mt. Hood Medical Center and Providence Willamette Falls Medical Center may be distressing for some people, it’s important to know that Oregon’s health care providers employ highly qualified and skilled infection preventionists and laboratory staff who lead the charge to prevent HAIs. In addition, local, state and federal public health agencies work closely with healthcare settings to implement effective infection control practices and equip health care providers with the tools that keep patients, visitors and the public safe."

A spokesperson for Legacy Health said they are notifying 221 patients who may be impacted by the breach.

"Upon learning of this situation, we immediately suspended the provider and launched a comprehensive investigation in accordance with regulations and with our policies and procedures," reads a statement issued by Legacy Health. "Our community should know that this was an isolated situation involving a single provider, contracted with the Oregon Anesthesiology Group to provide care at Legacy Mount Hood Medical Center for approximately six months beginning in December of 2023."