Exeter (N.H.) Hospital wants to block state officials from accessing patient records as the health departments continues its investigation into a hepatitis C outbreak allegedly caused by a former hospital technician now under arrest, according to a Fosters report.
In late May, Exeter Hospital reported a possible hepatitis C outbreak related to its cardiac catheterization lab. Further inquiry tied the outbreak to traveling technician David Kwiatkowski, who allegedly injected himself with the anesthetic fentanyl and refilled the syringes with saline before administering the injections to patients.
Dozens of Exeter Hospital patients tested positive for hepatitis C, and the news sparked similar testing in other states that have employed Mr. Kwiatkowski in the past. He currently faces drug tampering charges.
According to the report, Exeter Hospital and state officials had been cooperative as the state health department investigates the outbreak. However, after Exeter Hospital asked state officials to be more transparent about their search through medical records, the hospital requested a superior court judge to block state access from medical records until the state explicitly expressed what data it seeks.
Hospital officials argue access to otherwise confidential health information could violate state and federal laws. However, officials from the state attorney general's office claim state officials have the power to access medical records in the case of major outbreaks.
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In late May, Exeter Hospital reported a possible hepatitis C outbreak related to its cardiac catheterization lab. Further inquiry tied the outbreak to traveling technician David Kwiatkowski, who allegedly injected himself with the anesthetic fentanyl and refilled the syringes with saline before administering the injections to patients.
Dozens of Exeter Hospital patients tested positive for hepatitis C, and the news sparked similar testing in other states that have employed Mr. Kwiatkowski in the past. He currently faces drug tampering charges.
According to the report, Exeter Hospital and state officials had been cooperative as the state health department investigates the outbreak. However, after Exeter Hospital asked state officials to be more transparent about their search through medical records, the hospital requested a superior court judge to block state access from medical records until the state explicitly expressed what data it seeks.
Hospital officials argue access to otherwise confidential health information could violate state and federal laws. However, officials from the state attorney general's office claim state officials have the power to access medical records in the case of major outbreaks.
More Articles on Exeter Hospital:
Exeter Hospital in New Hampshire Now Testing 500 Employees
Exeter Hospital in New Hampshire Cited After Infection Outbreak
Fifth Michigan Hospital to Test Patients for Hep C in Connection to Exeter Outbreak
