DHHR pursuing legal action to obtain patient listing
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources is urging patients who had an injection procedure at Valley Pain Management in McMechen, West Virginia from the time the clinic opened in 2010 through November 1, 2013, to talk to their primary care provider about testing for hepatitis B, hepatitis C and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
Prior to November 1, 2013, Valley Pain Management reused syringes to enter vials and saline bags used for more than one patient.
Tierney said Valley Pain Management continues to refuse to provide DHHR with a patient list so specific patients may be properly notified of potential risk. DHHR has issued an administrative subpoena in an effort to obtain the clinic’s patient list and is prepared to institute additional legal action if the clinic does not comply with the subpoena.
“The West Virginia Bureau for Public Health has worked very hard with our local public health partners, Ohio, Pennsylvania and the CDC to understand the risk of hepatitis B, C or HIV for patients at Valley Pain Management, which is why access to the patient list is critical,” said Tierney.
Testing is available for Valley Pain Management patients at these local health departments until 10/21/14. To make an appointment for testing, please call:
Hancock County Health Department-------(304) 564-3343
Brooke County Health Department---------(304) 737-3665
Wheeling - Ohio Health Department-------(304) 234-3682
Marshall County Health Department-------(304) 845-7840
Wetzel - Tyler Health Department----------(304) 337-2001
Ohio residents should call 1-844-593-5184 for additional information.
Pennsylvania residents should call 877-PA HEALTH (877-724-3258) to make arrangements for testing.
