Sign up for our FREE E-Weekly for more coverage like this sent to your inbox!
In February 2011, St. Cloud Hospital notified the health department of a cluster of unusual bacterial blood infections among 25 patients. The MDH and CDC pointed to the possibility that a healthcare worker had inadvertently introduced bacteria into the IV bags while withdrawing narcotics for personal use. This information enabled the hospital to focus on drug diversion as a possible cause of the outbreak. On March 8, the St. Cloud Hospital informed MDH that a healthcare worker had admitted to diverting narcotics.
In May 2011, MDH and the Minnesota Hospital Association invited a coalition of hospital, provider, law enforcement, licensing and other healthcare stakeholders to form a collaborative group to address the issues surrounding health care worker drug diversion.
The coalition completed its work in April 2012 and issued a final report and a road map of resources for healthcare facilities to use to enhance their prevention programs of drug diversions. These resources and the epidemiological report can be found here.
More Articles on Patient Safety:
Neurosurgery Center Shuts Down Following Meningitis Outbreak
Additional H&P Products Recalled
ACS Releases Guidelines for High Quality Geriatric Care
At the Becker's 23rd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC + The Future of Spine Conference, taking place June 11-13 in Chicago, spine surgeons, orthopedic leaders and ASC executives will come together to explore minimally invasive techniques, ASC growth strategies and innovations shaping the future of outpatient spine care. Apply for complimentary registration now.
