According to Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) officials, a VA dentist at the facility failed to properly sterilize his equipment. He re-used his own dental tools instead of following VA regulations by using disinfected, disposable equipment. The issue was brought to light when an assistant reported the breach in protocol, which occurred over a span of a year.

In letters mailed to 592 veterans, the medical center notified them of the possibility of hepatitis B, hepatitis C or HIV infections. The VA is providing free screenings and follow-up treatment for veterans who test positive for the viruses. The agency claimed its decision to contact the veterans was simply a precaution as the risk of contracting an infection from the unsterilized equipment was low.

The VA released a statement saying it aimed to “ensure that those responsible for this serious breach of patient trust are held accountable.” There have been calls for the dentist to be fired. However, the VA has not taken any such action so far. The dentist was moved to an administrative role where he will not see patients. He is expected to appear before a review board.

“Failure to follow established infection control procedures is not acceptable, and we take the safety of our patients seriously,” said Tomah VA medical center director Victoria Brahm.

60% of these young caregivers remarked that care giving had negative impacts on their performance and attendance at school.   In fact, a Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation study found that 22% of high school dropouts attribute caring for a family member to leaving school.

Many of the young caregivers mention feeling isolated from their friends because there was no time for after-school interaction.  Some cited lack of support from school personnel.  For these students, being labeled as a slacker because they fall asleep or are inattentive in class is common.

A youthful community the size of San Diego, care for grandparents, parents and other family members suffering from diseases including cancer, dementia, mental illness, diabetes, ALS, HIV and other chronic illnesses.  Instead of spending time with peers and school activities, they bathe, feed and keep confused loved ones from wandering.  70% say they are a caregiver for a parent or grandparent, some spending 50% of their time doing so.

Instead of recognizing their quiet generosity and the emotional and economic stress experienced by the young caregivers, society and funding focuses on the adult caregiver.

So what can the rest of us do to support the youth who care for their loved ones?

• Besides asking about the patient, ask them how they are doing.
• Rather than buying something for the family, visit them.  Personal interaction has more meaning, social benefit and is more rewarding for everyone.
• Learn more about the youth caregiver by going to http://www.aacy.org/.
• Teachers can help other students understand the challenges of the young caregivers so they don’t feel so isolated.
• Community and health organizations can start online support groups where caregivers interact with their peers who are experiencing similar issues.

This begs acknowledgment as a serious and growing public health issue.  Communities, insurance companies, social organizations and providers should direct more resources to improve it.

If you need help arranging care for the elderly, please contact us.

The post The Little Known Youth Caregiver Among Us appeared first on Estate Planning Lawyers | Elder Law Attorneys | Brighton | Novi | Livonia Elder Law Attorneys.

60% of these young caregivers remarked that care giving had negative impacts on their performance and attendance at school.   In fact, a Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation study found that 22% of high school dropouts attribute caring for a family member to leaving school.

Many of the young caregivers mention feeling isolated from their friends because there was no time for after-school interaction.  Some cited lack of support from school personnel.  For these students, being labeled as a slacker because they fall asleep or are inattentive in class is common.

A youthful community the size of San Diego, care for grandparents, parents and other family members suffering from diseases including cancer, dementia, mental illness, diabetes, ALS, HIV and other chronic illnesses.  Instead of spending time with peers and school activities, they bathe, feed and keep confused loved ones from wandering.  70% say they are a caregiver for a parent or grandparent, some spending 50% of their time doing so.

Instead of recognizing their quiet generosity and the emotional and economic stress experienced by the young caregivers, society and funding focuses on the adult caregiver.

So what can the rest of us do to support the youth who care for their loved ones?

• Besides asking about the patient, ask them how they are doing.
• Rather than buying something for the family, visit them.  Personal interaction has more meaning, social benefit and is more rewarding for everyone.
• Learn more about the youth caregiver by going to http://www.aacy.org/.
• Teachers can help other students understand the challenges of the young caregivers so they don’t feel so isolated.
• Community and health organizations can start online support groups where caregivers interact with their peers who are experiencing similar issues.

This begs acknowledgment as a serious and growing public health issue.  Communities, insurance companies, social organizations and providers should direct more resources to improve it.

If you need help arranging care for the elderly, please contact us.

The post The Little Known Youth Caregiver Among Us appeared first on Estate Planning Lawyers | Elder Law Attorneys | Brighton | Novi | Livonia Elder Law Attorneys.

(1) It is unlawful for any person who has chancroid, gonorrhea, granuloma inguinale, lymphogranuloma venereum, genital herpes simplex, chlamydia, nongonococcal urethritis (NGU), pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)/acute salpingitis, or syphilis, when such person knows he or she is infected with one or more of these diseases and when such person has been informed that he or she may communicate this disease to another person through sexual intercourse, to have sexual intercourse with any other person, unless such other person has been informed of the presence of the sexually transmissible disease and has consented to the sexual intercourse.

(2) It is unlawful for any person who has human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, when such person knows he or she is infected with this disease and when such person has been informed that he or she may communicate this disease to another person through sexual intercourse, to have sexual intercourse with any other person, unless such other person has been informed of the presence of the sexually transmissible disease and has consented to the sexual intercourse.

Therefore, knowledge is an important element of this crime.  That means a prosecutor must prove the person charged with this crime knew they had the sexually transmitted disease (STD) and knew the disease could be passed to a sexual partner.  It is also a defense to the crime if the infected person informs their sexual partner prior to engaging in sex that they are infected.

Who has the burden to prove the defense?  This is an important question for anyone charged with this crime or other crimes that have defenses such as Carrying a Concealed Weapon or Firearm in Florida.  This is also why it is important you retain an experienced criminal defense lawyer who knows how to interpret statutes to insure you get every defense possible if you are charged with a crime.  In the STD transmitting criminal case, the prosecutor bears the burden of proving that the alleged victim was not informed that the Defendant was infected with an STD.  That is because the defense is contained in the actual, enacting statute.  This may be simple to do by just having the alleged victim testify that they were never informed about the STD.  However, if the prosecutor does not present any evidence as to this fact, the case would be dismissed at trial.

In the Carrying a Concealed Firearm case, it is an affirmative defense to prove the person charged with the crime had a license to carry permit.  That means the Defendant must present evidence in order to receive the benefit of this defense.  That is because the affirmative defense to the crime is contained in a clause subsequent to the Carrying Concealed Weapon statute and is a “subsequent clause.”  Thus, the prosecutor does not have to prove the absence of a license.  State v. Robarge, 450 So.2d 855 (Fla. 1984).

What are the penalties for unlawfully transmitting HIV or a sexual disease?  It depends.  The penalties are contained in Florida statute 384.34 “Penalties”.

• Any person who violates the provisions of 384.24(1) commits a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable by up to a year in jail.
• Any person who violates the provisions of the department’s rules pertaining to sexually transmissible diseases may be punished by a fine not to exceed $500 for each violation. Any penalties enforced under this subsection shall be in addition to other penalties provided by this chapter. 
• Any person who violates 384.24(2) commits a felony of the third degree, punishable by up to 5 years in Florida State Prison (FSP).  
• Any person who commits multiple violations of s. 384.24(2) commits a felony of the first degree, punishable by a term of imprisonment not exceeding 30 years.

In the officer’s case, he was screened for testing when he was first hired as a police officer.  That would allegedly give him knowledge of the STD virus.  It is mandatory that all police officers are screened for STD’s as part of their pre-employment screening before being hired on the police force.  Because there were more than one alleged victim, he is being charged with two counts of criminal transmission of HIV as a first-degree felony and faces 30 years in prison for each criminal count.  There was allegedly one more victim, but the statute of limitations ran out on that act.  A potential defense to be argued will be whether either or both counts could be charged as 1st degree felonies.  The legal defense or question being is a person charged under this crime required to be convicted of at least one offense before they can be charged with a 1st degree felony?  The defense will argue he was never convicted of this criminal charge before, so there have been no criminal violations necessary to aggravate the charge to a 1st degree felony.  This could mean the difference between 60 years in prison maximum he faces or 10 years in Florida State Prison.

Sex crimes or sexually related crimes are very serious under Florida law.  If you have been arrested for lewd battery, transmission of an STD, possession of child pornography retain an experienced sexual crimes defense attorney to fight for you in court.

CALL AND SET YOUR FREE OFFICE CONSULTATION NOW! 

Thomas C. Grajek  863-688-4606

Infections during pregnancy can cause many complications including:

• pneumonia;
• brain damage;
• premature labor;
• developmental delays; and
• even death.

If the infection isn’t addressed properly or a doctor causes the infection, an Ohio medical malpractice lawyer in Cleveland can assist clients in holding the liable party responsible.

Group B Streptococcus

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is among the most common life-threatening pregnancy infections for newborns. Up to 25 percent of pregnant women are considered asymptomatic carriers of GBS and most of these women don’t even know they have the disease.

GBS can cause a host of medical problems in women, including:

• abscesses in the pelvis;
• urinary tract infections;
• meningitis; and
• cystitis, though only around one percent of women with GBS have symptoms.

If the baby shows signs of GBS infection after birth, these symptoms may be associated with pneumonia, meningitis or sepsis. Babies who survive face the risk of vision loss, hearing problems and developmental delays.

Pregnant women who are carriers of GBS may be given penicillin during labor and delivery to prevent transmission of the disease to the fetus. If the mother is allergic to these medications, she may be given other medications as alternatives. If a doctor fails to test for or treat this infection, an Ohio medical malpractice lawyer may help Cleveland mothers with any legal action if they or their child is harmed.

Syphilis

Women who have syphilis may transmit the infection to the child. When a mother has a pregnancy infection like syphilis and fails to manage it, rate of fetal infection increases, as do the health risks for the baby. Stillbirth and late abortion may result from an untreated case of syphilis.

The earlier treatment of the infection during the pregnancy is administered, the better the chance of avoiding serious injury to the baby. The mother may be screened for HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases as well if syphilis is detected. Penicillin is the only drug that can be used to treat syphilis in pregnant women. If a woman is allergic to penicillin, measures may be taken that could allow the drug to be administered.

Listeriosis

Listeriosis is a rare pregnancy infection, but it can be very serious. It is caused by eating contaminated food. Pregnant women are 13 times more likely to contract listeriosis than women who are not pregnant, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The infection causes flu-like symptoms, such as fever, muscle aches, diarrhea and nausea. Many women have no symptoms.

Even though the symptoms of this pregnancy infection appear mild, the damage can be serious. It can cause the baby to be born prematurely and infected. Infection of the fetus may result in septicemia, meningoencephalitis, and other serious complications. Those who test positive for listeriosis are given antibiotics to reduce the spread of the infection to the baby.

Urinary Tract Infections

Although a urinary tract infection may not be so serious for a woman who is not pregnant, it can be a potentially dangerous pregnancy infection. When the urinary tract develops an infection during pregnancy, it can result in asymptomatic bacteriuria.

Urinary tract infections may cause the baby to be born premature and it can also lead to:

• maternal anemia;
• low birth weight; and
• hypertension.

Urinary tract infections are often treated with antibiotics.

Contacting an Ohio Medical Malpractice Lawyer in Cleveland

Failure to provide proper care may be considered medical negligence and could result in filing a claim in Ohio with a medical malpractice lawyer in Cleveland for injuries related to infections during pregnancy.

Failing to provide proper care can include:

• neglecting to address known infections;
• not screening for infection; and
• actually causing infection.

Mellino Robenalt LLC can help clients understand their legal options following an injury related to infection during pregnancy. Contact them at 440-333-3800 and order the free book Was it A Mistake? Your Ohio Medical Malpractice Questions Answered. Families dealing with complications of pregnancy infections related to malpractice can set up a free consultation to speak with an Ohio medical malpractice lawyer in Cleveland.