Two RI Doctors Reprimanded by RIDOH

Two RI Doctors Reprimanded by RIDOH

Two physicians in Rhode Island have been reprimanded by the Department of Health (RIDOH) this week. 

In one case, RIDOH said it received a complaint that a toddler was able to access a used needle on a doctor’s examination room floor - and prick himself. 

Another doctor was found to be in violation of state regulations as they pertain to opioid prescription and management. 

GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST

Syringe Allegation 

In the case of the syringe complaint, RIDOH said the doctor involved was Leena Davis, who has been licensed in the state since 1999. 

When the toddler allegedly gained access to a container containing “large, red Sharps,” the child pricked his finger on a needle, drawing blood, according to the parent. 

“[Davis] determined [the cut] was superficial…[and Davis] did not advise the complainant to have any further testing done for Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, or HIV on the child,” according to the complaint, which added that Davis “did however prescribe the testing when later requested by complainant.” RIDOH said that during a state inspection of Davis’ offices found that Sharps containers “were full and had openings on lid covers.” 

Based on the site inspection and a written response from Davis, RIDOH said that there was “probable cause determination of unprofessional conduct pursuant to RI General Law 5-37-5, specifically finding “that respondent failed to propoerly secure a Sharps container that resulted in a needle injury to a child;” the investigative committee added that there was proably cause that Davis failed to follow appropriate protocol for testing for potential bloodborne pathogens. 

Under the consent order, Davis is ordered to “successfully complete a course…on the subject of infectious diseases with a focus on bloodborne pathogens” and “implement an office policy for the safe disposal of medical and biohazardous waste,” as well as pay administrative fees. 

 

Pain Management

RIDOH said it received a complaint that Dr. Willy Alfredo Salas Sanchez failed to refill a patient’s pain medication, and failed to conduct a medical examination during a patient visit. 

Following an investigation, RIDOH said that it found that Sanchez, who has been licensed in the state since 2012, “failed to appropriately evaluate the patient’s pain symptoms that give rise to the prescription for Tramadol.” 

RIDOH said that certain of the patient’s conditions “were not clinically assessed or discussed in the context of prescribing the opioid medication” and that Sanchez had “no written pain management agreement was ever entered into with the patient” and no urine toxicology was performed to screen for active substance use disorder “as required by governing regulation.” 

Sanchez has been ordered to “successfully complete a course on controlled substance prescribing” and pay administrative fees.”