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Jul. 01, 2009
Copyright © Las Vegas Review-Journal

Doctor gets probation, fine, reprimand in hepatitis outbreak

By PAUL HARASIM
LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL

Dr. Eladio Carrera, a co-owner of the Endoscopy Center of Southern Nevada, received two years probation, a $15,000 fine and a public reprimand today from the Nevada State Board of Medical Examiners for his role in a hepatitis outbreak that infected some patients at his clinic and resulted in public health officials advising tens of thousands of other patients to be checked for exposure to hepatitis and HIV.

The settlement agreement, unanimously approved by the board, was largely worked out by the board's counsel, Lyn Beggs, and Carrera's attorney, David Mortensen.

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    • Carrera has agreed to testify in other malpractice cases against the clinic's principal owner, Dr. Dipak Desai, and Dr. Clifford Carol, a physician who worked there.

    "His testimony is vital to show what went on," said Louis Ling, executive director of the board.

    Carrera, who asked for the special meeting of the board because of financial hardship, didn't show up for the meeting.

    Mortensen said Carrera, whose license was temporarily suspended earlier, is on a medical mission to Uruguay.

    In May 2008, Clark County District Judge James Bixler had blocked Carrera from practicing medicine, issuing a temporary restraining order pending resolution of a board complaint against him.

    The judge's order followed an earlier order against Desai. The orders were requested by state Attorney General Catherine Cortez Masto.

    In both cases, the judges said the temporary orders were warranted because the Board of Medical Examiners "has demonstrated a likelihood of success on the merits" of its cases against the doctors, and "imminent and irreparable harm will result" if the orders weren't issued.

    Louis Ling, executive director of the board, said he understood that some Nevadans might feel Carrera escaped serious punishment.

     

    Contact reporter Paul Harasim at pharasim@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2908.

     

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    Report abuse

    buck wrote on July 01, 2009 10:23 PM: He is in Uruguay???? He might as well be in Iran. And he wants financial hardship.


    Report abuse

    the man wrote on July 01, 2009 09:05 PM: Don't go pointing at Free market. Under the Obama medical rationing plan, this man would be promoted and given a bonus for the amount of money he just saved the Federal Government.


    Report abuse

    patrick wrote on July 01, 2009 08:51 PM: Just remember folks in the "free market" this guy doesn't even get fined, he just makes more money cause he got his buddies in the legislature to pass "tort reform".

    The free market capitalists DEMAND that guys like this do EXACTLY this. He reused needles, guess why; CAUSE IT COST LESS TO DO IT THAT WAY!

    And I guess the fact that the guy used all that old needle money to buy a Bentley should shock no one except those fools who believe the free market can correct any problem known to man.

    Anyone seen "Patrick" around here? Strangely silent, although, I'm sure the bad ole govment gets the blame, or teachers, or some such.

    Maybe he can get the Cato Institute to explain how this doctor should get a reward and be named president for so valiantly defending the free market practice of bad medicine.


    Report abuse

    Disgusting wrote on July 01, 2009 07:56 PM: This guy, like Desai, is a disgusting criminal, an immoral low-life who put money ahead of people's lives. He should have his medical license permanently revoked, be tried for manslaughter, and be subject to many, many CIVIL lawsuits so those infected can recoup some medical costs and be compensated for being needlessly infected with terminal illnesses.


    Report abuse

    Once burned, twice shy wrote on July 01, 2009 07:48 PM: I'd like to know where this guy was "educated." If it's a third world medical school, I don't waste one minute on them.

    After this story broke, and I had a few uncomfortable moments (technique and methodology) with some other Doctor's locally...I check backgrounds and now avoid Doctors with off-shore medical degrees. Period.


    Report abuse

    joe wrote on July 01, 2009 07:19 PM: Why is this being handled by a board of medical examiners and not by a criminal court? So if a garbage man runs over a kid on a bike will that case be handled by a board of sanitation workers?


    Report abuse

    E wrote on July 01, 2009 07:08 PM: What a joke. His license should be taken away permanently. $15,000 is nothing to a guy like that with all his money. Public reprimand??? Big deal. Doctors protecting doctors as usual. He should stay in Uruguay. What did his victims get besides Aids, hep C, etc. ?


    Report abuse

    Sandra wrote on July 01, 2009 06:58 PM: Filthy scumbag, like the nationality he represents!!!!!


    Report abuse

    Jack wrote on July 01, 2009 05:35 PM: The medical board is just as corrupt as Malitz and Desia. Tommy Chong got nine months for selling glass pipes. This guys just gets a $15,000.00 fine for his crimes against the people on Nevada. SHOCKING!


    Report abuse

    SteveF wrote on July 01, 2009 05:03 PM: $15,000.00 to Dr. Death, Jr. is the same as the cost of a happy meal to "regular" people. And a "public reprimand"? What kind of joke is that? It means absolutely nothing to anyone including the quacks in the medical field. Louis Ling said SOME people MIGHT feel he received a light punishment? That just goes to show he's a useless idiot.


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