By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law
The Florida Department of Health (DOH) confirmed another case of fungal meningitis in Florida on November 19, 2012. A 56-year-old man allegedly received a contaminated steroid injection at Florida Pain Clinic in Marion County, Florida. This brings the state’s total number of fungal meningitis cases up to 24, including three deaths.
To read the entire press release from the Florida DOH, click here.
Recap of Meningitis Outbreak Across the Country.
As of November 19, 2012, the Florida DOH reported the number of fungal meningitis cases nationwide is up to 480 with 33 deaths in 19 states.
The meningitis outbreak is reportedly linked to contaminated steroids made at the New England Compounding Center (NECC) in Framingham, Massachusetts, which is now closed. The compounding pharmacy was allegedly not following the requirements of its state license, according to the Massachusetts DOH. Under Massachusetts state law the NECC was only supposed to produce medications for patient-specific prescriptions, but it is believed the compounding pharmacy was preparing drugs in bulk. I previously wrote a blog on the reports related to the compounding pharmacy violating its license. Click here to read that blog.
Patients Suing Physicians.
Victims of the meningitis outbreak are starting to file lawsuits against the physicians and clinics that administered the tainted steroids. In a Business Insurance article released on October 28, 2012, I was quoted as saying liability might be established to the extent that the physicians were aware that the steroids distributed by the NECC violated regulations on compounding prescription medications. To read the entire article from Business Insurance, click here.
Florida Compounding Pharmacy in Hot Water.
Florida has seen its share of fungal outbreaks. I previously blogged about the problems encountered by Franck’s pharmacy in Ocala, Florida. It was accused of distributing eye medications that contained a fungal infection. Click here for the first blog and here for the second blog.
Contact Health Law Attorneys Experienced in Representing Pharmacies and Pharmacists.
The Health Law Firm represents pharmacists and pharmacies in investigations, regulatory matters, licensing issues, litigation, inspections and audits. The firm's attorneys include those who are board certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law as well as licensed health professionals who are also attorneys.
To contact The Health Law Firm please call (407) 331-6620 or (850) 439-1001 and visit our website at www.TheHealthLawFirm.com.Jameson. Marni. “Florida Health Officials Confirm State’s 24th Case of Fungal Meningitis.” Orlando Sentinel. (November 19, 2012). From: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/breakingnews/os-florida-fungal-meningitis-20121119,0,3451600.story
The Health Law Firm represents pharmacists and pharmacies in investigations, regulatory matters, licensing issues, litigation, inspections and audits. The firm's attorneys include those who are board certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law as well as licensed health professionals who are also attorneys.
To contact The Health Law Firm please call (407) 331-6620 or (850) 439-1001 and visit our website at www.TheHealthLawFirm.com.Jameson. Marni. “Florida Health Officials Confirm State’s 24th Case of Fungal Meningitis.” Orlando Sentinel. (November 19, 2012). From: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/breakingnews/os-florida-fungal-meningitis-20121119,0,3451600.story
Comments?
What do you think of the lawsuits again the physicians and clinics that administered the tainted steroid shots? Please leave any thoughtful comments below.
Sources:
Greenwald, Judy. “Meningitis Lawsuits Target Physicians.” Business Insurance. (October 28, 2012), From: http://www.businessinsurance.com/article/20121028/NEWS07/310289984?tags=|75|303
Hammonds, Jessica. “Florida Department of Health Uncovers Case of Fungal Meningitis.” Florida Department of Healht. (November 19, 2012). From: http://newsroom.doh.state.fl.us/wp-content/uploads/newsroom/2012/11/111912MeningitisUpdateonecase.pdf
About the Author: George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., is Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law. He is the President and Managing Partner of The Health Law Firm, which has a national practice. Its main office is in the Orlando, Florida, area. www.TheHealthLawFirm.com The Health Law Firm, 1101 Douglas Ave., Altamonte Springs, FL 32714, Phone: (407) 331-6620.
"The Health Law Firm" is a registered fictitious business name of George F. Indest III, P.A. - The Health Law Firm, a Florida professional service corporation, since 1999.
Copyright © 1996-2012 The Health Law Firm. All rights reserved.
Copyright © 1996-2012 The Health Law Firm. All rights reserved.
