Geisinger Medical Group has been slapped with a $900,000 fine for failing to perform required equipment testing at its Lock Haven mammography clinic, according to a report in the Williamsport Sun-Gazette newspaper (March 2, 2006).
In February, radiologic technologist Josephine M. Latini, 49, of Williamsport, PA, pleaded guilty in federal court to falsifying quality assurance (QA) tests and related records necessary for the medical group to meet the requirements of the Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA).
Latini admitted in court that, from July to December of 2004, she shot and back-dated a series of 24 weekly phantom-image tests. She also admitted to falsifying log books related to the tests because she had fallen behind in her work.
Geisinger will not appeal the fine, and agreed to the settlement before the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) made its announcement, a hospital spokesman told the newspaper.
All patients who had mammograms at the clinic between May 2003 and February 2005 were offered free mammograms at another facility. Geisinger has permanently shut down the Lock Haven facility and will not resume breast cancer screening at that location.
According to the DEP, all other Geisinger facilities that perform mammography were inspected or reviewed by either the DEP or the American College of Radiology (ACR) after the Lock Haven incident. Those clinics were found to meet MQSA guidelines.
Latini could face additional disciplinary action from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). In January, the ARRT ethics committee had been informed of Latini's situation. As of March 2, Latini was not listed on the ARRT's list of RTs currently under sanction. ARRT sanctions range from a reprimand to revocation of registration and certification.
By AuntMinnie.com staff writers
March 3, 2006
Related Reading
RT admits falsifying mammography QC reports, January 13, 2006
RT bears burden of QA failure at PA mammo clinic, June 9, 2005
PA mammo clinic fails QA, must pay for re-screens, January 7, 2005
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