DAYTON, Ohio(AP) - An Ohio congressman wants Veterans Affairs medical personnel who ignore infection control standards to face possible imprisonment.
Republican Rep. Mike Turner plans to announce legislation Monday allowing the government to fine and imprison for up to one year VA health employees for intentionally bypassing safeguards. The Dayton Daily News reports Turner is likely to formally introduce the bill after Labor Day.
Turner has been critical of lapses at the VA Medical Center in Dayton that led to officials to urge 535 veterans to get tested because they were treated in a dental clinic where a former dentist allegedly failed to change his gloves and sterilize instruments between patients. Authorities say three patients tested positive for hepatitis, which can cause liver damage, although they're not certain how they contracted it.
Information from: Dayton Daily News,