The Joint Commission recently evaluated Richland, Wash.-based Kadlec Clinic and found some inconsistencies and potential inadequacies in the cleaning, disinfection and sterilization processes and procedures at some of the system's clinics, according to a news release from Kadlec.
The system's infection prevention and infectious disease experts believe the risk is low that patients were affected, but agree that techniques used at the clinics were not consistent with regulatory standards and manufacturer guidelines.
Kadlec has partnered with the Washington State Department of Health to conduct a review of each clinic and determine if patients were exposed to improperly cleaned devices and ensure issues don't arise in the future.
Kadlec plans to reach out to any potentially affected patients once they get further information.
"The team at Kadlec takes great pride in caring for our community and we take patient safety very seriously," said Lane Savitch, president of Kadlec Regional Medical Center. "We regret and apologize that we may have put patients at risk or cause any concern."