Providence alert patients of potential hep. B. C, HIV exposure after physician misconduct

Malpractices from a former Providence anesthesiologist exposed 2,200 patients to possible infections including hepatitis B and C and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

Providence’s Communications Director Gary Walker says the patients are at low risk of exposure, but patients who were exposed will receive a letter in the mail and/or a MyChart notification from Providence.

Officials say the locations where the patients were potentially exposed to infections were mainly at Providence Willamette Falls Medical Center and Providence Portland Medical Center. They say some people were exposed at non-Providence hospitals.

Legacy Health confirmed more than 200 patients at Legacy Mount Hood Medical Center may have been impacted. The doctor worked there for about six months beginning in December 2023.

“Upon learning of this situation, we immediately suspended the provider and launched a comprehensive investigation in accordance with regulations and with our policies and procedures,” Legacy said in a statement.

The physician was employed by Oregon Anesthesiology Group (OAG) and they are no longer an employee of OAG or Providence.

Providence says out of caution, they urge the patients who are contacted to get a blood test to screen for infections. Health officials say that if a patient tests positive, Providence will reach out to them to discuss their test results and next steps.

The doctor has not been identified.