HMO To Stand Trial In Las Vegas For Role In Largest Hepatitis C Outbreak In U.S. History

LAS VEGAS, Feb. 19, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Health Plan of Nevada will face a Nevada jury for the role of the HMO in the largest outbreak of hepatitis C in U.S. history.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130219/LA62190)

The complaint filed in Clark County District Court cites the duty to monitor the effectiveness and safety of the health care providers and clinics required by the HMO for use by its members, and the failure to monitor, as leading to the notification from the Southern Nevada Health District to 50,000 Nevadans that they may have been exposed to hepatitis C or HIV. The complaint also cites billing fraud, changing of records to conceal malpractice and false advertising. 

"The Health Plan of Nevada can not take money from thousands of Nevadans, require them to use clinics such as the Endoscopy Center of Southern Nevada and not look out for their safety. This and other facts about what the HMO knew about the practices of Dr. Desai and the clinics will be exposed in trial," said Robert Eglet, lead trial attorney for the plaintiffs. 

Bonnie Brunson, one of the genetically linked patients identified by the CDC and the Southern Nevada Health District, and husband Carl Brunson, and Helen Meyer, an individual, are named as plaintiffs. 

Opening statements begin February 20, 9am, Regional Justice Center, 200 Lewis Avenue, Las Vegas, 89101 in Department 12D before Judge Timothy Williams. Follow trial updates on twitter: @LVHepCTrial. 

SOURCE SCM