The New York State Department of Health is advising any patient who has received an intravenous infusion, injection, or a blood draw at Tomorrow Medicine’s two Westchester County locations be tested for hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections.
Additionally, Commissioner of Health, Dr. Howard Zucker, ordered Tomorrow Medicine’s owner, Dr. Timothy Morley, to immediately stop practicing medicine, pending a formal hearing, due to charges of violating the state Public Health and Education Law and failing to produce relevant records as part of a state and local investigation. The investigation was initiated by the Department of Health and Westchester County Department of Health after four individuals tested positive for HCV. Molecular testing performed at the Wadsworth Center, New York State’s public health laboratory, determined the strains of Hepatitis C virus in all four patients were identical, suggesting transmission likely occurred at the practice.
Exposure may have occurred at the following Tomorrow Medicine locations:
- 37 Moore Avenue, #3, Mount Kisco, N.Y.
- 1133 Westchester Avenue, White Plains, N.Y.
Patients should also be tested if they received these services at a previous medical practice known as Advanced Medicine of Mount Kisco.
The Department of Health is following standard protocol in recommending testing for hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV, which are all spread through blood exposure. Individuals who have received an intravenous infusion, injection, or a blood draw at these locations should contact their health care provider to get tested. Testing is also available at no cost for patients through the Westchester County Department of Health by calling (914) 995-7499 Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Additionally, representatives from the New York State Department of Health are available to answer questions at 1-888-364-4902 Monday – Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Department of Health will also issue a health advisory to health care providers statewide to notify them of the potential exposure.Health care providers should continue to report all suspected cases of hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV to their county health department, as required by Public Health Law.
Dr. Timothy Morley’s medical license was suspended following the discovery of a series of inappropriate infection control practices and concerns regarding the preservation, preparation, handling and administration of medication.The order to immediately cease operation – prior to a hearing – was issued out of concern that further lapses in infection control practices could put additional patients at risk. Dr. Morley also failed to produce relevant records or information requested by state and local health departments, within one day, as required under Public Health and Education Law.A hearing before the State Board for Professional Medical Conduct is scheduled for September 19, 2017.
