Feds assist local HIV transplant probe

[Guest guest]

Feds

assist local HIV transplant probe

Posted: Thursday, November 15, 2007 at 4:42 p.m.

CHICAGO -- Federal

officials are investigating what three Chicago

hospitals knew and told four organ transplant patients about a high-risk donor

who infected them with HIV and hepatitis.

The

investigation's new phase involves the federal Centers for Medicare and

Medicaid Services, which oversees organ procurement programs and hospitals

nationwide.

If the

agency finds any mishandling, and if the hospitals don't comply with any

demands for corrective action, they could face penalties, including ouster from

Medicare participation.

The

agency says its officials have visited the Elmhurst Gift of Hope group that

arranged the transplants and are now visiting the hospitals.

Gift of

Hope officials say they told the hospitals that the donor had engaged in

high-risk behavior. The hospitals have not disclosed what patients were told,

citing privacy concerns.

Barb in Texas - Together in the Fight, Whatever it

Takes!

Son Ken (33) UC 91 - PSC 99 - Tx 6/21 & 6/30/07 @ Baylor in Dallas