The case of a traveling medical technologist suspected of infecting dozens of patients with Hepatitis C could give momentum to federal legislation requiring medical imaging and radiation therapy workers to meet standards so that hospitals can receive Medicare reimbursements.
David Kwiatkowski (kwiht-KOW’-skee) is accused of stealing drugs and contaminating syringes used on patients at Exeter Hospital in New Hampshire. He previously worked at 18 hospitals in seven other states, moving from hospital to hospital despite having been fired twice over allegations of drug use and theft.
The American Society of Radiologic Technologists says the case could boost the chances of Congress passing a bill the society has been pushing for years. The latest version was introduced in June by Republican Sen. Mike Enzi of Wyoming and Democrat Tom Harkin of Iowa.
