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News and briefs: Arrest of medical technician raises questions about reporting

Credentialing Resource Center Insider, August 17, 2012

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Since radiology technician David Kwiatkowski was arrested last month for allegedly infecting patients with hepatitis C, more unsettling information is coming out regarding his past. There are incidents of Kwiatkowski being accused of stealing syringes and medication from the hospitals in which he worked or being found under the influence of drugs at work, according to an article on necn.com. Kwiatkowski worked in 10 hospitals over the past four years, and was fired from some of them. In Arizona, his license was revoked. But because the laws regarding licensing and reporting of disciplinary action for radiology technicians differ among states, Kwiatkowski was able to find new jobs in new states. For example, New Hampshire—the last state where Kwiatkowski worked and where he is accused of infecting over 30 patients with hepatitis C by using dirty syringes—does not require radiology workers to be licensed.

The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists collects and verifies credentials for radiology technicians. However, there is no national databank for disciplinary actions, like there is with physicians. Also, because many hospitals use staffing firms to bring technicians to their facilities, there is debate about whose responsibility it is to report disciplinary action and/or verify a technician’s history. The Kwiatkowski case is bringing to light many holes in the system that allowed him, and probably other technicians, to stay under the radar and put patients at risk. To read more, click here.

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